The New York Yankees have a few decisions to make, and those decisions will have a lasting domino effect. Cody Bellinger is testing the open market, and having him return is the team’s top priority. Trent Grisham was fielded a qualifying offer and has until Tuesday to respond. The Yankees are also in the mix for Kyle Tucker, the biggest bat available in this free agency class. Not to mention that they are big fans of Tatsuya Imai.
However, two of those decisions could hold repercussions for the young Spencer Jones.
Spencer Jones’ Future Depends on Bellinger & Grisham Decisions
A new report from the New York Post reveals some details regarding Jones’ future with the Yankees. For the organization, Bellinger and Grisham’s futures are closely tied to Jones’.
“There is a scenario where the Yankees leave the door open for Spencer Jones to burst through and claim a job this spring,” Greg Joyce wrote early on November 14, 2025. “Depending on what happens with Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham. Retaining Bellinger is the club’s top priority, though there will be plenty of competition for him that drives up his price.”
“It remains to be seen just how far the Yankees will go to make sure he returns, with Cashman describing the payroll situation as ‘fluid’ — though Hal Steinbrenner has repeatedly indicated he does not think it should take a $300 million payroll to win a title.”
Grisham and Bellinger occupy two of the three outfield positions.
However, Jones could hear some positive news on Tuesday. According to Jon Heyman (also of the New York Post), Grisham is likely not returning.
“The Yankees think Trent Grisham will decline the qualifying offer,” Heyman wrote on November 13, 2025.
Joyce added more context by explaining how the free agency outfield market could impact Grisham’s decision.
“The other shoe to drop will come by next Tuesday, when the Yankees find out whether Grisham accepts the qualifying offer,” Joyce reveals. “Given the shallow outfield market this offseason, it would not be surprising if Grisham declines it and tries to seek a bigger payday in a multi-year pact.”
Jones Holds a Lot of Promise
Grisham’s leaving the organization could be greatly beneficial for the young prospect. Both the organization and scouts believe that Jones has the physical tools to be successful.
“Both the Yankees and scouts believe that Jones has the athleticism to stay in center field,” Joyce explained. “Though he did mix in some time in the corner outfield last year to make him more versatile. Especially if Grisham heads elsewhere, Jones may get a real look in center next spring.”
Joyce goes on to explain that Jones isn’t a “finished product.”
“The 24-year-old Jones is by no means a finished product, his strikeout rates still just as eye-popping as his home run rates,” Joyce continues. “But the way the 6-foot-7 slugger exploded last summer between Double-A and Triple-A — crushing 19 home runs in 34 games while batting .412 with a 1.368 OPS, prompting one team official to refer to it as “Judgian” — offered a tease of his potential.”
However, there is a chance that the organization loses out on Bellinger and has Grisham decline his qualifying offer. In that case, Jones would have an opportunity, and the Yankees would need to acquire another body to play in the outfield.
Conversely, if both Bellinger and Grisham return, Jones starts the year in Triple-A. The other option would be for Jones to become trade bait for the team to upgrade another position.
One way or another, it will be another interesting winter for Yankees fans.
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