Spencer Jones, the New York Yankees’ prized 2022 draft pick, isn’t just having a good Spring Training debut. The young outfielder is rapidly showcasing why the team is right to deem him untouchable in trade talks as his potential value to the franchise skyrockets. Recent analysis of Jones’ performance is glowing, highlighting his potent combination of raw talent and an insatiable drive to learn.

This echoes the infectious enthusiasm of Nick Swisher, a former Yankee and current special advisor, who dubs Jones “an absolute monster” after witnessing the prospect’s uncanny power hitting during batting practice. And it’s not just hype.

Spencer Jones: A Blueprint for future stardom for the New York Yankees

Jones possesses undeniable physical gifts that bolster his potential. His towering 470-foot home run in Spring Training hints at elite power—even when hitting from the left. Scouts across the league admire his “twitchy” athleticism, reminiscent of a young Aaron Judge, further amplifying his allure for the Yankees. However, he does still have some areas for improvement.

The Athletic’s report acknowledges the areas where Jones shows room to do better: his strikeout rate and tendency for weak grounders. But the New York Yankees’ management isn’t fazed to the least.

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They see similarities to other longer-levered players who, with time and coaching, blossomed into stars (think Randy Johnson and Judge). They’re betting on their development system to help Jones address these areas and unlock that five-tool potential.

For now, the New York Yankees’ outfield for the future rests on shaky ground: Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo will be free agents after this season, with veterans like Giancarlo Stanton facing an uncertain future. This leaves the door wide open for Jones to secure a coveted spot in the coming years, making him all the more important to retain as an asset for the team’s long-term success instead of trading him away.

What is the bottom line of all of this?

While a September major league promotion this year might seem ambitious, experts suggest it’s not completely out of the question. If Spencer Jones’ upward trajectory continues, he could mirror the rapid ascent we saw with prospects like Jasson Dominguez.

Read More: Top Yankees Prospect Spencer Jones Outpaces Nearly Everyone but Three in MLB

Jim Hendry, the New York Yankees’ special assignment scout, sums it up best, saying, “This business is all about projecting people… (Jones) fits that bill of having a chance to be really, really, really good.” Spencer Jones’ progress is the talk of the Pinstripers’ Spring Training complex, and for good reason.

The team’s refusal to include him in high-profile trade talks signals a level of confidence in his potential that parallels the early years of Aaron Judge’s development. If he lives up to the hype, the Yankees won’t just have a rising star—but a potentially indispensable centerpiece for years to come.

Read More: Giancarlo Stanton on Borrowed Time With Spencer Jones’ Successful Spring Arrival?