White Sox make unreasonable Spencer Jones demand from Yankees? MLB insider speaks on Garrett Crochet rumors
If the New York Yankees are going to trade for Garrett Crochet, it should have to start with Spencer Jones. He is the Yankees' top prospect and has been considered almost untouchable for a while, but that's what the White Sox reportedly want.
The Yankees have so far not entertained the idea. They believe Jones is a future star and a big piece of a starting outfield that only has Aaron Judge under contract beyond 2024.
USA Today insider Bob Nightengale said that the Sox are "insisting" on Jones being involved in any deal, and the prospect has said:
“Things happen that are outside of our control. We’ll see.’’
The outfield prospect also said that he’s flattered that the White Sox and other teams keep insisting that he be included in these blockbuster trades. This is not the first time the Sox have tried to get Jones.
In Spring Training, the Yankees lost Gerrit Cole to injury and began to pursue outside alternatives to replace him. That meant looking into trades, and Dylan Cease was available.
He would eventually go to the San Diego Padres, but the White Sox asked for Jones in a Cease deal. It never materialized as the Yankees weren't comfortable with the cost.
The Yankees have a Spencer Jones conundrum
The New York Yankees are in a difficult spot. Despite their recent lull, they're still one of the best teams in baseball and a legitimate World Series contender. As such, they know they need to add to their roster.
The trouble is with Juan Soto. He's only guaranteed to be a Yankee for this season, enhancing the need to go all-in. He's a likely re-sign candidate, but it may not happen.
If the Yankees decide to go all-in, it probably means trading Jones. That leaves the outfield future barren as Soto and Alex Verdugo are pending free agents. The outfield would comprise Judge, maybe Jasson Dominguez and someone else.
If the Yankees are going to shore up some issues, they may have to part with Jones for Crochet or someone else. It could cause problems down the road.