The New York Yankees have a host of big-name stars at Spring Training but it is a 22-year-old outfielder from the West Coast that is generating a lot of buzz. Spencer Jones was a highly-rated prospect when he was selected by New York with the 25th overall pick in the 2022 draft but few could have expected the rapid rise we have seen in such a short period.
Jones has made an instant impact for the Bron Bombers at Spring Training. Fans were in awe after the lefty slugger rocketed a 470-foot home run off Detroit Tigers’ Mason Englert in his first Grapefruit League at-bat. It was a reminder to coaches, players and fans just what the 6’6″ outfielder is capable of.
During an exclusive interview with Overtime Heroics, Senior Editor Reggie Roberts spoke to Spencer Jones about his memorable 470 foot dinger and his red-hot start to the year.
“It was a cool at-bat…I think I prepared myself well for that at-bat. It got to a quick 3-0 count,”recalled Jones. It was one of those swings where you don’t really feel anything when you make contact with the ball, you just see it go up. That was a good feeling.”
Spencer Jones 💪
MLB's No. 84 prospect swats a 470-foot rocket for the #Yankees.pic.twitter.com/sRsedAyzfp
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) February 24, 2024
Jones is described as humble and polite and plays the game in with respect for his peers and opponents.
“I’m not one of those guys that watches the ball (go over the fence); I just wanted to run the bases and get back to the dugout to celebrate with the team,” added Jones.
Hitting home runs is nothing new for the rising star out of Vanderbilt University. Over three season in the SEC, he recorded 15 home runs an amassed 73 RBIs.
Last year, he worked his way up to the double-A level playing 17 games with the Somerset Patriots. Over 117 total games in the minors, Jones racked up 16 home runs, 66 RBIs and 43 stolen bases while slashing .267/.336/.444.
Ranked the no. 84 overall prospect by MLB, Jones is part of a young Yankees core that is building the foundations for a strong future. Shortstop Anthony Volpe made his MLB debut last year and has shown in can hold his own in the big leagues. Utility man Oswaldo Cabrera, outfielder Everson Perreira and infielder Oswald Peraza have all shown promise after working their way up the farm system. Jasson Dominguez, 21, remains one of the top ranked prospects in the league.
Jones has displayed a comprehensive skillset that includes the ability to hit, hit with power, field, run and throw. Scouts have already labelled him a legitimate 5-tool guy. Some big numbers over the last two weeks (along with an incredible 470-foot home run) have left many wondering just how high Spencer Jones’ ceiling could be.
