The New York Yankees have always been one of the greatest teams in MLB and have given some of the best players from their farm system, like Derek Jeter, Aaron Judge, and Ron Guidry. But it looks like times are changing, and so is the thinking in the Yankees’ management. The team has one of the top prospects in the Yankees’ farm system, and Aaron Boone seems to be using it as a trade piece rather than to improve the team.

In a recent piece by MLB insider Bob Nightengale, he talked about who’s on the trade block for teams like the Yankees and Red Sox. For the Yankees, Nightengale wrote, “After floating his name in trade talks for the past year, the Yankees could finally move one of their top prospects.” And by top prospect, he means Spencer Jones.

For more than a year, Spencer Jones’ name has quietly circled in trade talks around baseball. Reports from Bob Nightengale noted that after months of hesitation, the Yankees might finally move their top outfield prospect. His 2025 season across Double-A and Triple-A, where he hit .274 with 35 home runs and a .932 OPS, reignited his market value. With the Yankees’ roster uncertain and pitching needs increasing, rival teams see him as a centerpiece in potential deals.

The situation has grown more complicated with Cody Bellinger entering free agency, leaving a major outfield spot open. Brian Cashman said Jones has “put himself in the conversation” for a major league role in 2026. His improved plate discipline and .432 average with six homers in a recent stretch showed clear progress in Triple-A. Yet, as the Yankees weigh roster changes, trade speculation continues to grow louder with every front-office decision.

Fans have grown frustrated watching Aaron Boone remain loyal to underperforming veterans like Anthony Volpe and Devin Williams while top prospects wait. Jones’ July burst and 29.5 percent strikeout rate improvement could have earned him valuable major-league experience. That opportunity would not only help his development but also strengthen his potential trade value for New York. With uncertainty around roster spots and trust in youth, the Yankees now stand at a defining crossroads this winter.

If history teaches anything, it’s that the New York Yankees never run short on talent. What they often run short on is the patience to let that talent grow. Maybe this winter, Boone and Cashman will decide whether Spencer Jones is a player or a pawn.

The Yankees could trade Spencer Jones, but for whom will they trade? Here is a prediction

The New York Yankees are back in their favorite offseason pastime, turning potential into proven names, even if it means cashing in on the next big thing. Spencer Jones, the golden prospect everyone’s been told to “just wait on,” might not be waiting much longer. Because in the Bronx, patience lasts about as long as a losing streak, and the front office is already eyeing its next shiny fix.

The Yankees could look at trading Spencer Jones for the likes of the Guardians for All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan. Jones, ranked fourth in the Yankees’ system, hit .274 with 35 homers and 179 strikeouts in the minors. Kwan, meanwhile, hit .272 with 11 home runs, 56 RBIs, and an 8.7 percent strikeout rate last season. Kwan’s elite defense, shown by his four Golden Gloves, will have a big impact on the Yankees’ outfield needs.

Even with the bat, Kwan’s consistent ability to make contact could stabilize the 23.5 percent strikeout rate of the Yankees’ power-hitting lineup. The Yankees have been on the lookout for a leadoff hitter who sets the table for Aaron Judge to do damage. And this might be the perfect time to get one. If the deal materializes, it could signal a turning point in New York’s push for offensive balance this offseason.

If Brian Cashman pulls this off, the Bronx might finally breathe a little easier. Steven Kwan’s glove and contact bat could give Aaron Judge the steady table-setter he’s missed. And if Spencer Jones shines elsewhere, well, the Yankees will call it the cost of urgency.