The path to the big leagues hasn't changed for Yankees top prospect Spencer Jones -- he's entered another spring training blocked by a group of veteran outfielders recognized as everyday starters.
But the slim chance of reaching the majors once camp breaks isn't lost on the 24-year-old slugger.
In spite of the obstacles in his way, Jones realizes the opportunity to wear pinstripes in 2026 also rides upon clear progression, wherever his season begins.
"The biggest focus for me this spring is to focus on the little things I do well," he said Monday in Tampa. "Between hitting the ball, playing good defense, and stealing bases, I'm just going to try to be the best athlete I can be every day."
Jones' stock has fluctuated in recent years, largely due to alarming swing-and-miss habits. He struck out 37 percent of the time across 122 games with Double-A Somerset in 2024, and the contact troubles caused his external value to plummet.
But the 6-foot-7, 240-pound lefty discovered new power in a breakout 2025 campaign, leading all of MiLB in home runs (35) between stints with Double-A and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Overall, he slashed .274/.362/.571 with 80 RBI and an OPS of .932.
Jones credited swing alterations to the boost in his production, and he spent the entire offseason refining his plate approach even further. He believes the changes in the batter's box will "pay off."
"The plan is to stick with [the adjustments] the whole season," Jones said. "I feel like I'm progressing well. I know the organization values me and I've had success. It's only a matter of time... I'm very confident. I'm very excited for this coming year and to show people what I can do."
While the Yankees were reluctant to move Jones as a trade chip last summer, it's unclear when -- or if -- he'll make his MLB debut with the club.
The odds of Jones or Jasson Dominguez battling for the Opening Day job in left field took a huge hit when the Yankees re-signed Cody Bellinger, and manager Aaron Boone addressed that topic just a few weeks ago.
"The reality is that [the outlook] does change," Boone said. "We got Cody right back in the center of the mix and [Trent Grisham] back. That maybe complicates some things for [Jones and Dominguez], but we also know what potentially outstanding players they are going to be in this league."
Entering his age-25 season, Jones fell short of appearing on MLB Pipeline and Baseball America's preseason Top 100 Prospects lists for 2026.