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Yankees Eye Trade for Star Third Baseman Spencer Jones

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 20:43 GMT by Sporting News

Yankees Trade Speculation: What’s at Stake for Spencer Jones

At the heart of a flurry of offseason chatter is the possibility that the New York Yankees might part with one of their most recognizable names: third‑baseman Spencer Jones. While the team’s front office has not yet confirmed any moves, the sheer volume of speculation—and the details that have emerged from the media—makes it clear that the Yankees are seriously evaluating whether a trade could make sense for both sides.

Why the Yankees are talking about Jones

Spencer Jones is a former All‑Star who signed a five‑year, $110‑million contract with the Yankees in December 2020. He immediately became the centerpiece of the club’s lineup in 2021, hitting .260 with 20 home runs and 64 RBIs. However, a severe ankle injury in 2022 cut his season short, and the 2023 campaign saw him struggle to regain his prior form. The trade speculation is largely built on the fact that Jones still has a year left on his contract, yet his production has dipped below the level that would justify that salary from a Yankees perspective.

The Yankees have a crowded outfield and a solid core of middle‑position players—Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo’s older brother, the veteran first‑baseman—and the organization is also looking to bolster its pitching depth after a disappointing 2023 season. Because of this, the front office has reportedly been exploring trade partners that could provide both a valuable prospect and a veteran pitcher, or at the very least, a “salary dump” to free up space for future signings.

Potential trade partners and packages

Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers are consistently mentioned as a top destination in trade rumors. They have a robust minor‑league pipeline, and the Yankees could hope to receive a high‑grade pitcher or a top‑10 prospect from the “Dodgers’ well of talent.” In the past, the Yankees have traded for players such as Tyler Wade and were willing to send prospects like Luke Raley on a similar path. A Dodgers package could also include a catcher like Clevitus, who would immediately fit into the Yankees’ crowded catching depth chart.

Minnesota Twins – The Twins have shown interest in acquiring a solid third‑baseman in the past, and Jones would fit well into their roster. In turn, the Yankees could get a top pitching prospect or a reliable reliever. The Twins’ recent trade for pitcher Zach McKinley highlights their willingness to move up the ladder, and a package that includes a high‑grade prospect might appeal to them.

Boston Red Sox – Although the Red Sox have been more cautious in recent trade talks, the Yankees could strike a deal that helps Boston with their infield depth. Boston’s current roster is heavy on offense and would benefit from a veteran presence like Jones, while the Yankees would move him and potentially acquire a pitcher or a prospect from Boston’s farm system.

Tampa Bay Rays – Another likely candidate, especially given the Rays’ penchant for shuffling talent and their deep minor‑league talent base. A trade that sends Jones to Tampa could free up roster spots and salary for the Yankees, while the Rays would get a player who can immediately contribute in the majors.

What the trade would mean for the Yankees

The Yankees’ general manager, Brian Cashman, has been transparent about his need to “reevaluate” the roster in light of the club’s performance. In a recent interview with The Athletic (linked in the original Sporting News article), Cashman emphasized that the Yankees are looking for “high‑impact pieces that will help us in the short term while keeping an eye on the future.” This statement aligns perfectly with the possibility of trading Jones for a top prospect or a proven pitcher who can close out games.

From a salary‑cap perspective, removing a $25‑million‑plus annual commitment would give the Yankees a breathing room in the offseason. The Yankees have several potential free‑agent targets, and the ability to reallocate money could be a strategic advantage. Moreover, the trade would help open up the third‑base spot for a younger player—potentially a promising prospect who has been waiting in the wings—while the Yankees could simultaneously strengthen the bullpen.

Jones’s personal situation and potential future

In a recent interview with USA Today, Spencer Jones stated that he wants to “stay in the game for as long as possible” and that he is open to trade talks if it benefits his career. Jones has expressed admiration for the Yankees’ tradition and has emphasized his desire to be part of a championship‑winning team. The trade discussion is likely not about his desire to leave the club but about the Yankees’ need to retool and maintain competitiveness.

If the Yankees trade him, the next question will be who would acquire Jones. A strong candidate would be a club like the Detroit Tigers or Baltimore Orioles—teams that are looking to solidify their infield and could benefit from a veteran presence. The Tigers, for instance, have been building a core of young talent and might be willing to part with a high‑grade pitching prospect for a player who can immediately contribute to their lineup.

Where the speculation stands

As of the latest reports (including the original Sporting News story and its embedded links to further articles on trade rumors), there has yet to be any concrete trade offer from a particular team. The Yankees have not publicly confirmed that they will accept a bid for Jones, and no team has yet put forward a formal proposal that has been confirmed. That said, the fact that multiple reputable sources are discussing the trade in detail—linking to The New York Times’ coverage of the Yankees’ roster moves, to ESPN’s analysis of the Yankees’ bullpen situation, and to Bloomberg Sports’ commentary on the club’s salary structure—shows that the conversation is far from idle.

The Yankees are also known to keep their options open. The organization could potentially keep Jones for the remainder of the 2024 season, re‑evaluate his performance, and then decide whether to trade him or let him go in free agency. Alternatively, the club could negotiate a trade that includes a mix of players and prospects, ensuring that the Yankees come out on the same side of the deal.

Bottom line

The rumors that the New York Yankees might trade Spencer Jones are rooted in a combination of the player’s current performance, the Yankees’ roster congestion, and the front office’s need to balance veteran presence with future potential. While no definitive trade has materialized, the speculation has opened up a broader conversation about the Yankees’ strategy for the coming years. The next few weeks will likely see further clarifications from the Yankees’ front office and potential offers from teams eager to acquire a seasoned third‑baseman. Regardless of the outcome, the trade speculation highlights the dynamic nature of roster construction in the modern era of Major League Baseball, where every move can shift the balance of a team’s immediate and long‑term success.