When Yankees fans flipped on Yankees Unloaded this week, it wasn’t just the typical hot stove chatter. It was a reality check. As MLB insider Jon Morosi sat across from Gary Sheffield Jr. and Jake Ellenbogen, the topic veered sharply into one of the most polarizing trade debates in New York right now. The name on everyone’s lips wasn’t a proven big leaguer. But a 24-year-old prospect is lighting up Triple-A pitching like he’s outgrown the minors.

That name? Spencer Jones. The 6-foot-7 outfielder has been on a tear, slugging his way into the spotlight with an OPS over 1.000 and showing he might be too big to ignore and too talented to trade. Yet as the Yankees explore a deal for Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez, the temptation to “sell high” on Jones has become a serious point of discussion. But according to Morosi, that would be a mistake.

“You don’t give up that player for a rental,” Morosi said, cautioning that while Suárez is a popular target, Jones is too valuable to ship out for two months of production. “If he was with basically 28 other teams, he’d probably already be in the big leagues.”

That’s not a throwaway line; it’s a statement on how blocked Jones is in the Yankees’ system and how other organizations might unleash him immediately. And while Suárez, with 36 homers and elite power, seems like the perfect fit at Yankee Stadium, Morosi warned that New York must draw a hard line if Arizona demands Jones in return.

The reality is, Suárez isn’t the only name being floated. Jonathan India of the Reds has entered the chat, especially with some team control baked in through 2026. That’s significant. Because, as Morosi explained, teams are more likely to part with controllable assets if they’re not just renting someone for 60 games and a playoff run.

But Suárez is heating up as a trade target, and the Yankees aren’t the only ones calling. The Cubs and Mariners remain engaged, making this an arms race for one of baseball’s most dangerous third basemen.

Still, inside the Bronx brain trust, the directive is becoming clear: Keep Jones off the table. As the deadline inches closer, the Yankees must weigh urgency against sustainability. But one thing’s certain: letting go of a potential cornerstone for a short-term fix could end up being a headline they regret for years.

 Yankees star finds humor in trade chatter

Spencer Jones isn’t avoiding the trade speculations or worrying about them, but finds it amusing. As the deadline approaches in less than 10 days and his name emerges in almost every significant deal related to the Yankees, the 24-year-old outfielder could understandably feel anxious about it all. But instead, he opts to take it all in stride with a cheerful attitude and a witty sense of humor. One recent comment from a fan made him laugh so hard, it’s still living rent-free in his mind: “Get ready to speak desert, buddy.”

The jab, of course, was a nod to the Arizona Diamondbacks, one of the top suitors linked to Yankees third base target Suárez. Jones shared the post during a chat with The Athletic, saying he genuinely appreciates the creativity fans bring this time of year. “That’s a really good one,” he said. “I saw that and was dying laughing… To me, that’s the really fun part about baseball at this time of year.” His deep self-awareness and capacity to maintain an outlook, amidst career shifts, truly reflect his current mindset. Jones isn’t consumed by anticipation of the future; instead, he savors the moment.

He hears the chatter. He knows the eyes on him are growing, fans, scouts, decision-makers, all watching closely. But he isn’t letting that noise mess with his rhythm. Jones is really focused at the plate now. His calm demeanor is what’s been driving the exciting period of his early career so far. Regardless of whether he ends up playing at Yankee Stadium or under the scorching Arizona sun. One thing’s for sure: He’s not just managing the pressure; he’s actually enjoying being in the limelight.