Is it the Flash? Oh no, it’s just Spencer Jones. That’s what everyone’s been saying this weekend. Ever since the favorite prospect of the New York Yankees hit a monstrous 470 ft homer, fans have been clamoring for more. On the other hand, the entire Yankees clubhouse has come out in praise of their upcoming superstar. However, while Jones undoubtedly possesses a lot of power, there’s a surprising tool in his arsenal – his speed. 

It isn’t unusual for sluggers to be great runners, but what is surprising is to see a 6’6 player like Jones speeding past the bases. As the skipper Aaron Boone said “He can fly. He can legit fly.” But then the question arises – just how fast is this Yankee? The answer may turn many heads. 

New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees center fielder “was clocked at 11 seconds going home to third, bettered in the majors by just Corbin Carroll, Elly De La Cruz, and Jose Siri.” That’s some nice company to be in. Heyman noted how it’s unlikely that there’s anyone in the Yankees squad that can match the quickness of Jones.

It isn’t a surprise that the Yankees are all in on this young man. Despite there being some flaws in his gameplay, the Bronx Bombers believe that they’ve found their next 30-30 player. The fact that they’ve got the power of Aaron Judge and the quickness of Carroll in one player is just a jackpot for the franchise. So does it mean it’s a clear road towards the team for Jones?

Read more: EXCLUSIVE: MLB Prospect Expert Throws Cold Water on Aaron Judge vs. Spencer Jones Comparisons

Not so fast, the 22-year-old is currently expected to start playing in Double-A. The reasons are quite simple – Despite sheer raw potential, this Yankees top prospect still has a lot of work to do. Especially on his tendency to swing and miss.

The New York Yankees seem ready to give more time to Spencer Jones 

Jones has been called a lot of things by the Yankees scouts. One scout said he had “All-Star tools.” Then others called him “off the charts” athletically speaking. But athleticism can only take you so far. There are still techniques that need to be mastered. This is where Jones has faltered a little. As in 2023, in 480 at-bats, the 22-year-old had 155 strikeouts. His swing is still a work in progress.

Luckily for him, the Bronx Bombers are willing to give Jones as much time as he needs. The fact that the Yankees are quite abundant in the Center Field position too helps in this regard. However, with his home runs and display of pace, Spencer Jones has announced that he’ll be arriving on the scene sooner rather than later.

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