The Yankees got a firsthand look at the enigma that is Spencer Jones during their 20-3 rout of the Detroit Tigers on Saturday afternoon. Making his spring debut, Jones had three at-bats, striking out twice but also launching a jaw-dropping 408-foot homer to right field, clocking an exit velocity of 111.7 mph.
That swing tells you everything about Jones: he’s a high-risk, high-reward player. He’s like a sports car without brakes, capable of exhilarating highs but also prone to abrupt stops. Saturday’s game was a microcosm of his potential and pitfalls.
The Judge-Ohtani Hybrid Swing
Jones has been refining his swing mechanics, drawing comparisons to a blend of Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. The broadcast team noted his new approach: “almost Ohtani-like, with a toe tap instead of a kick or hover.”
His raw upper-body power is undeniable, prompting the Yankees to focus on minimizing lower-body movement, allowing him to load from the top half. As Judge told MLB.com's Bryan Hoch, “The minute he puts that foot down with that little toe-tap, he’s ready to hit.”
By eliminating the leg kick, Jones is reducing a timing issue that has plagued him, much like simplifying a complex task to focus on the essentials. This new approach mirrors Judge’s balanced setup, enabling better pitch tracking and quick adjustments.
The Contact Challenge
The Yankees need Jones to increase contact and cut down on strikeouts to unlock his full potential. Drafted 25th overall in 2022, he struck out 179 times in 438 minor league at-bats last season-a 35.4% rate.
Despite this, he hit 35 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A in 2025, showcasing his power. His improved .274 batting average and .362 on-base percentage last year signal progress, but the strikeouts remain a significant hurdle.
Saturday’s game encapsulated his dual nature: one swing suggests future stardom, two others hint at ongoing struggles. Evaluating him is challenging due to his extreme highs and lows.
The Complete Toolset
Jones is a solid defender with above-average speed, as evidenced by his 29 stolen bases in 2025. His defensive skills suggest he can handle center field or either corner.
Combine that with his power, and you have a potential five-tool player. However, hitting for average remains more potential than reality.
The Fourth Outfielder Battle
Jones is vying for the fourth outfield spot with Jasson Dominguez, but both need regular playing time. The Yankees’ outfield, featuring Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham, leaves little room for development at the major league level. Jones needs consistent at-bats to refine his pitch recognition and contact skills.
Starting the season at Triple-A Scranton might be best, giving him 400 plate appearances to test his swing changes. If he shows progress by mid-season, he could earn a promotion. If not, a reassessment might be necessary.
The Make-or-Break Season
Jones has been modeling his swing after Shohei Ohtani. “He’s a great reference of a really good mover with a great swing,” Jones shared with Hoch. While ambitious, this comparison underscores his aspirations and raw talent.
At 24, Jones is entering a pivotal season. The Yankees’ reluctance to trade him signals belief in his upside, but patience isn’t infinite, especially with championship goals and Judge's advancing age.
Saturday’s game reinforced what we know about Spencer Jones: his power is among the best in baseball, but his strikeouts remain a concern. The swing adjustments are promising, and Judge’s support is significant.
Yet, until he can consistently make contact against top-tier pitching, he remains a tantalizing prospect with a wide range of outcomes. His journey will be one to watch, full of potential and unpredictability.