After signing pitcher Ryan Yarbrough to a one-year deal and receiving the news that Trent Grisham will be returning to the team, the New York Yankees are beginning to get an idea of what their team will look like next MLB season. While it is still very early and there are many questions still to be answered in the market, the Bombers are giving hints of what their roster might look like in 2026.
One of the latest moves made by Brian Cashman’s management is to include prospects Spener Jones, Elmer Rodriguez and Chase Hampton on their 40-man roster, who will surely have the opportunity to show their credentials during spring training.
All eyes on Jones
The name of Spencer Jones stands out on that list, mainly because he is considered the main offensive bulwark in the Yankees’ farm system, and for his remarkable physical similarities to star Aaron Judge.
The left-handed outfielder is 6’7″ and weighs 240 pounds, a titanic figure reminiscent of the current Yankees captain. Jones also carries dynamite in his wrists and envisions himself as a potential slugger in the majors. During 2025, for example, he hit 35 home runs, drove in 80 runs and posted a .932 OPS in 116 combined games between Double-A and Triple-A.
Among all qualified Minor League players in the 2025 campaign, the Yankees outfielder was second in home runs, fifth in slugging (.571), sixth in bases traveled (250), eighth in runs scored (102) and seventh in extra-base hits (59). With these numbers, at various points in the season there was speculation about the possibility of a call-up to MLB from the Bronx, although it did not materialize.
With other organizations, he probably would have made it to the majors this year.
“With other organizations, he probably would have made it to the Major Leagues this year,” said manager Brian Cashman, who chose not to rush the No. 4 prospect in his farm system.
Possible bargaining chip
While the Yankees included Spencer Jones on their 40-man roster, this does not guarantee him a spot on the 2026 roster. In fact, the outfielder’s name is going to be in every conversation related to the team heading into next season, both for his chances of earning a spot on the Opening Day roster and for the likelihood of him being traded if they decide to compete in the trade market for Tarik Skubal or Paul Skenes.
Any trade talks for these two pitching stars would involve Jones, who is seen as one of the best offensive talents in the Minor Leagues. However, given the 24-year-old’s status, it seems unlikely that the Yankees would include him in other lower-profile negotiations.
For now, Cashman has left the door open for possible moves: “If both [Grisham and Cody Bellinger] come back, maybe it creates flexibility in trades. I don’t know how this will all play out.”
Clearly, Jones has already taken solid steps to move up to MLB and is expected to make that leap in 2026. The question will be with whom, because with the Yankees he has the competition of Jasson Dominguez and any other signing of the organization for the outfield.
Jones, full throttle
Unfazed by all this noise, Spencer Jones is using the Yankees’ facilities in the Bronx to train this fall. The kid is one of the familiar faces at Yankee Stadium after the end of the season, which speaks volumes about his commitment.
“After taking a break, he will head to Tampa, where he will train and get ready for spring training,” Cashman revealed, who will have to make decisions with Jones in the short term.
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