Yankees' Most Likely Trade Candidate Revealed

The New York Yankees are expected to make at least one big move in free agency this winter, whether that's re-signing Cody Bellinger or landing Kyle Tucker.

However, the Yankees aren't the same big spenders they used to be, so they may be more quiet on the open market than you might expect.

Instead, New York may explore trades to bolster its roster, and with an impressive crop of pitchers in its farm system, it certainly has the goods to swing a blockbuster move.

But who is the most likely Yankees player to get dealt this offseason?

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com seems to believe it is top outfield prospect Spencer Jones.

"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 Dominguez as players without a spot to get regular playing time," Feinsand wrote. "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."

Jones has yet to hit the big-league level, but we have been hearing about the 6-foot-7, 240-pound behemoth for years now.

The problem is that Jones will turn 25 in May, so the clock is ticking on the young slugger.

So, why hasn't Jones reached the majors yet? Well, his strikeout rate is a massive issue. Jones was punched out 179 times over 506 plate appearances in 2025, and he also had a dreadful August in which he slashed .180/.250/.306, which likely sealed his fate this past season.

Regardless, the Encinitas, Ca. native has considerable potential and would definitely be of interest to other teams in trade talks.

It seems rather unlikely that the Yankees will keep both Jones and Dominguez long term. That is, of course, unless they whiff on both Bellinger and Tucker in free agency.

Jones probably has more trade value than Dominguez at this point considering how disappointing the latter looked in a big-league role this past year, but New York may still be hesitant to move Jones.

There should be some very enticing trade targets available for the Yanks this winter, but whether or not they would actually be willing to part with Jones remains to be seen.

One thing is for sure: the Yankees need to make a decision on Jones soon, because it's beginning to reach a point where he really can't be considered a prospect anymore.