As the 2024 MLB trade deadline approaches, it’s clear that the Yankees intend to be aggressive in their efforts to enhance a club that is rich with talent but has largely underperformed—particularly recently, as they sit two games behind the Orioles in the AL East. The Yankees could use a complete makeover in the infield and would most likely want to upgrade from Alex Verdugo in the outfield.
Most importantly, pitching will be critical, as it always is at the MLB trade deadline. The Yankees are interested in two of the greatest pitchers available in the trade market—Tarik Skubal of the Tigers and Garrett Crochet of the White Sox—but acquiring either of them would cost them prospects.
Understanding this, USA Today insider Bob Nightengale says the Yankees are finally willing to trade one of the organization’s top prospects for some win-now help.
“The Yankees, for the first time, are willing to include No. 1 prospect Spencer Jones in a trade for White Sox ace Garrett Crochet or Tigers Cy Young candidate Tarik Skubal,” Nightengale stated in an email.
“The White Sox, however, are holding out for a bigger package from the Yankees and others.”
Spencer Jones Has Struggled This Season
According to MLB.com, Jones is the Yankees’ No. 2 prospect. Baseball America has him ranked second, trailing fellow outfielder Jasson Dominguez.
The physical tools Jones provides are obvious. He is a 6-foot-6 outfielder with strong defensive abilities. However, while he has shown promise at the plate, he has not exactly dominated the lower minors this season. He is only batting.238 with a.315 on-base percentage. He has a.401 slugging percentage and 129 strikeouts in 76 games at Double A Somerset.
“Jones offers an intriguing combination of power and uncommon athleticism for a 6-foot-6, 235-pounder,” according to MLB.com. “His bat speed, strength, and leverage generate well-above-average raw power and exit velocities, but there are some questions about how much of his pop will be used in games. He rarely turns on pitches and must demonstrate that he can handle quality velocity on the inside half at higher levels. His inherently lengthy left-handed stroke causes a high number of strikeouts, notably 155 with a 29 percent whiff rate in 2023.”
Jones is only 23, but it may be tough for him to get work in New York in the near future. The Yankees have decided not to trade Dominguez, who is also a centerfielder, which means that, with Aaron Judge and possibly Juan Soto (if he re-signs), the team’s outfield for the next few years appears to be pretty well set.
Yankees Trade Would Add Top Pitcher
At this moment, it appears that the Yankees are more likely to pursue Crochet than Skubal, who is expected to command a high price. Skubal is 10-3 this season, with a 2.31 ERA and an excellent WHIP of 0.879. He also has two more years of team control, so there is no motivation for Detroit to trade him.
Still, Nightengale stated that the Tigers are at least considering proposals, though he added that the Dodgers and Orioles have showed the most serious interest.
Crochet might be had for a lower price because his dependability is questionable. He is 6-6 with a 3.02 ERA and a league-leading 150 strikeouts, but injuries have repeatedly disrupted his career, and it is unclear how many innings he will be able to pitch this season.
Crochet has thrown 107 innings this year, but he has never thrown more than 65 innings in any season previously, including college.
