Spencer Jones was born in Encinitas, California, on May 14th, 2001. He played high school baseball at La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad, California. He was the 31st-ranked pitcher nationally and the third-ranked overall player in California.
In his junior year of high school, Jones hit .414 with five home runs and a 4.09 ERA with 33 walks and 33 strikeouts. In his senior year, Jones fractured his elbow while pitching and was forced to miss most of the season. The Los Angeles Angels drafted Jones, but he chose not to sign.
Where Did Spencer Jones Go To College?
Jones committed to playing college baseball at Vanderbilt University as a two-way player. His debut season was unfortunately shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he posted a slash line of .206/.333/.324 with a .657 OPS over 14 games. During this time, he accumulated seven hits, including four doubles, three RBIs, eight runs, and four walks.
In the subsequent summer, Jones joined the Santa Barbara Foresters in the California Collegiate League, but his stint was cut short due to an elbow injury. This setback led to the need for Tommy John surgery, putting his status as a two-way player in doubt. Jones played a minor role the following season, appearing in 34 games while batting .274/.346/.421, including 26 hits, five doubles, and three home runs.
During the summer of that year, he played for the Brewster Whitecaps in the Cape Cod Baseball League, participating in 25 games and recording a batting line of .312/.424/.481 with 24 hits and three home runs. In 2022, fully recovered and starting in right field, Jones abandoned his previous aspirations as a two-way player. This decision paid off as Jones finished his campaign slashing .370/.460/.644 with 12 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 21 doubles. By the end of the season, he was named First Team All-SEC and entered the MLB Draft.
When Was Spencer Jones Drafted?
Jones entered the draft as the 31st-ranked player in the country. He would be selected 25th overall by the New York Yankees and promptly be placed atop their most highly anticipated prospects.
Spencer Jones Yankees Tenure
2022
After being drafted, Jones made his professional debut with the Florida Complex League Yankees. He would only play three games with the FCL Yankees before being promoted to the Tampa Tarpons. In 25 games, he slashed .344/.425/.538 with a .962 OPS. He would also rack up six doubles, four home runs, 12 RBIs, 21 runs scored, 12 stolen bases, and 11 walks.
2023
Jones entered the season as the 76th overall prospect by Baseball America and 73rd by MLB.com. He played for the High-A Hudson Valley Renegades and the Double-A Somerset Patriots. Jones combined to play in 117 games and slashed .267/.336/.444 with a .780 OPS; he had 29 doubles, four triples, 16 home runs, 66 RBI, 71 runs scored, 43 stolen bases, and 49 walks.
Future
ITD places Spencer Jones as the 68th-ranked overall prospect entering 2024 and the Yankees’ number two prospect. He will likely start the season with the AA Somerset Patriots with a probable promotion to the AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
