SPENCER JONES & HIS DEVELOPMENT SEASON WILL ONLY HELP HIM

Spencer Jones is set to begin the season in Double-A, and let’s not hit the panic button—it’s all part of the plan. The Yankees are playing it smart with one of their top prospects, making sure he polishes his game before moving up the ranks.

Last season in Double-A, Jones put up solid numbers: 17 home runs, 25 stolen bases, and plenty of excitement. But here’s the catch—he strikes out. A lot. The Yankees know this and are hoping to get him on track before sending him to Triple-A and, eventually, the Bronx. If he figures things out quickly, a summer call-up isn’t out of the question. If not, keep an eye on him for a September debut.

Here’s what Yankee news had to say about the decision:

“There is a reason why the Yankees are being conservative with Jones: they see his 36.8 percent strikeout rate in Double-A last year and the ugly 44.4 percent mark he had in spring training, and there is no way it translates to sustainable success in the highest level of minor league baseball.

Yes, Jones hits the ball hard and that helps his batting average and power numbers, but if Double-A pitchers can strike him out more than a third of the time, imagine what Triple-A and MLB hurlers will do to him.

Jones’ package of tools is tantalizing, and there is no denying his vast potential.

To realize it, however, he needs to make consistent contact or at least not strike out at alarming levels.”

That about sums it up. Jones is the Yankees’ No. 2 prospect, loaded with potential, but his sky-high strikeout rate is a major red flag. Sometimes it feels like the organization isn’t quite sure where they stand on him—one minute he’s a future star, the next he’s a project. But the best move is to stay patient and committed to his development. If they can cut down those strikeouts, his natural talent will take care of the rest.

Double-A is where he needs to be right now, and if things click, Yankee Stadium isn’t far off. I’d bet we see him in pinstripes before the season’s over. Keep an eye on him—this could get interesting.