Spencer Jones Eyes 2026 Yankees Roster Spot: Can He Defy the Odds and Secure His MLB Future?

The Yankees find themselves at a critical crossroads in their outfield lineup as the calendar inches closer to spring training 2026. Enter Spencer Jones, the 24-year-old prospect who’s been turning heads after an impressive 2025 campaign. He dismantled Double-A pitching with flair before stepping up to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and proving he belongs among the higher ranks. Over two minor league stops, Jones posted a slash line of .274/.362/.571, paired with a strong .932 OPS, not to mention a hefty 35 home runs and 80 RBIs — numbers that demand attention. Faced with a vacancy in left field following Cody Bellinger’s uncertain status and the steady presence of Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham, the door is cracked open for Jones and other hopefuls like Jasson Dominguez to stake their claim. With GM Brian Cashman acknowledging that Jones has “put himself in the conversation,” all eyes will be on him to see if he can back up the buzz and lock down a spot. Getting ready to sharpen his swing and bring fierce competitiveness, Jones is set on making the most of this moment — determined to prove he’s ready to wear the pinstripes come opening day. LEARN MORE.

The Yankees‘ outfield is currently in flux and top prospect Spencer Jones hopes to be in the mix when the team breaks camp next March.

Jones, 24, had his breakthrough season in 2025, demolishing Double-A pitching before being promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where the outfielder held his own.

Through both levels of the minor leagues in 2025, Jones slashed .274/.362/.571 with an OPS of .932. He also had 35 home runs and drove in 80 runs.

“Being able to be more consistent month-to-month, that was the biggest thing for me,” Jones told SNY’s Michelle Margaux at the Italian American Baseball Foundation Gala in the Bronx on Thursday night. “A lot of confidence and something I look forward to bringing in next year.”

It was a bounce-back season for Jones, who struggled in 2024 once he got to Double-A. He credits a change in his swing for his consistency and continues to work on it this offseason in preparation for spring training.

“I changed some stuff with my swing, learned a lot about it and going into this offseason is just cleaning up some of the things that went wrong and moving into this next season,” he said.

Outside of Aaron Judge in right field and Trent Grisham — who accepted the qualifying offer — in center, the Yankees have an opening in left field after the departure of Cody Bellinger. While the Yankees continue to try and bring Bellinger back, it’s not a guarantee, which gives Jones and other youngsters like Jasson Dominguez a chance to win the job this spring.

GM Brian Cashman said Jones “put himself in the conversation” to make the roster at the Yankees’ end-of-season news conference in October, and the outfield prospect is getting ready to earn it.

When asked what he could do to prepare to compete for a roster spot, Jones described his mindset.

“Trying to prove to them, every reason why you should be there,” he said. “Being as competitive as possible and showing them how bad you want it is important and that’s going to be my job going into camp.”