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TAMPA — The next time Spencer Jones steps up to the plate at Steinbrenner Field, it might be wise to pause traffic on Dale Mabry Highway. This precaution would protect passing cars from any high-flying baseballs courtesy of the Yankees’ promising slugger.
In his spring debut on Saturday, Jones showcased his immense potential with a towering home run that sailed over the right-field fence and out of the park, eventually landing beyond the stadium. Although he followed this impressive feat with two strikeouts, the power of his swing left an indelible mark.
Standing at 6-foot-7, the left-handed hitter has been adjusting his swing mechanics early in the camp. His efforts paid off with a home run estimated at 408 feet, a distance some thought underestimated given its sheer power.
“Just trying to get some good feels with the hands, get those going and use that as a trigger,” Jones remarked after the Yankees’ 20-3 triumph over the Tigers, reflecting on the adjustments that led to his remarkable hit.
“Just trying to get some good feels with the hands, get those going and use that as a trigger,” Jones said during the 20-3 win over the Tigers.
On the YES broadcast, David Cone described Jones’ swing as “almost [Shohei] Ohtani-like,” pointing to the toe tap that he was using, which Jones later indicated is something he has looked at.
“[Ohtani] is a great reference of a really good mover with a great swing,” Jones said. “He’s one of those guys that I look at some of the stuff he does and try to apply it in whichever way I can.”
Jones has also leaned on Aaron Judge, his fellow 6-foot-7 Yankee, for advice on how to make the most of his big frame.
The two spent time in big league camp talking about it last spring and have done so again this year, with Jones coming off a strong year in which he clubbed 35 home runs but struck out 179 times in 506 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A.
“I think the biggest thing that I’ve noticed swing-wise is he’s just ready to hit,” said Judge, who also crushed two homers. “The minute he puts that foot down with the little toe-tap, he’s ready to hit. Maybe they might have got him with a lot of high heaters in the past or even last season. I think that’s just going to help him. He doesn’t have a big leg kick, he doesn’t have to worry about getting that down.
“That quickness, that readiness is really going to be a game-changer for him.”
Carlos Lagrange made his anticipated Grapefruit League debut and flashed his triple-digit fastball while giving up two runs (one earned) across 2 ²/₃ innings. The top pitching prospect scattered three hits and walked a pair while striking out two, both on his changeup.
“It’s a little bit of a dream coming true right there,” Lagrange said of wearing pinstripes and pitching in his first game in major league spring training.
The 6-foot-7, 22-year-old Lagrange has continued to impress Yankees officials and teammates with not only his stuff but his demeanor as well.
“Carlos’ potential, man, is to be a frontline starter for the New York Yankees,” Judge said.
Cam Schlittler threw a bullpen session Saturday that simulated two innings, which could be the final hurdle before he gets back to facing hitters, which he has not done since being slowed with mid-back inflammation at the start of camp.
Russell Wilson made a cameo in the Yankees clubhouse Saturday morning, walking through and shaking hands with players, some of whom were caught off guard to see the Giants quarterback.