The New York Yankees outfield is nearly complete with Trent Grisham returning to the team after agreeing to a one-year, $22 million qualifying offer.
New York boasted arguably the top offense in baseball last season, scoring the most runs in the league and hitting the most home runs. The Yankees have one outfield slot remaining and will likely heavily pursue a reunion with Cody Bellinger in free agency or take a run at Chicago Cubs superstar Kyle Tucker.
If the Yankees sign either Bellinger or Tucker, then long-awaited top prospect Spencer Jones would not have a route to get consistent playing time. With this in mind, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand suggested that the 24-year-old outfielder could be a prime trade chip for the team this offseason.
“Although the free-agent market has been slow to develop, the trade market has already seen some action in the early weeks of the offseason,” Feinsand wrote Saturday. “Some clubs could look to shed payroll, while others could turn to the trade market to fill holes on their rosters.
“Trent Grisham’s return to the Bronx solidifies two of New York’s three outfield spots, while the Yankees are still hopeful to bring Bellinger back on a new deal. That leaves Jones — the Yankees’ No. 4 prospect — and Jasson Domínguez as players without a spot to get regular playing time. Jones belted 35 home runs with a .933 OPS at Double-A and Triple-A last season, giving the Yankees a prime trade chip if they choose to use it.”
Yankees fans have been waiting a long time for Jones’ big league debut. The 24-year-old slugger mashed 35 home runs across the minor leagues this season, and with his big frame and left-handed slugging potential, would be a perfect fit to play in Yankee Stadium.
If New York manages to ink Bellinger or Tucker to a long-term contract this offseason, Jones’ time with the Yankees could end before ever truly beginning.
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