As Spring Training approaches, Major League Baseball teams like the New York Yankees are gearing up to finalize their preseason rosters. According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, the Yankees are seizing the opportunity to feature two of their standout prospects, Spencer Jones and Chase Hampton.
Jones and Hampton are among the 26 non-roster players invited to the Yankees’ big league camp, boosting the total number of players expected to report to 66. The pitchers and catchers of the team are scheduled to kick off proceedings in Tampa, Florida, on February 14, with the full squad set to join for workouts starting February 20.
At just 22 years old, Jones is ranked 84th overall on MLB.com’s 2024 prospect list. In the 2023 season, he showcased his talent across two minor league teams, delivering a solid performance with a .268/.337/.450 batting line, tallying 13 home runs and 56 RBIs in 100 games and 411 at-bats for the High-A Hudson Valley. His stint with Double-A Somerset saw him maintain a competitive .261/.333/.406 batting line, with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 17 games and 69 at-bats.
Similarly, Hampton, also 22, holds promise as the Yankees’ top-ranked pitcher and is ranked No. 92 overall among prospects. In 2023, he displayed his skills with a 2-1 record and a 2.68 ERA in nine starts for High-A Hudson Valley. Transitioning to Double-A Somerset, Hampton posted a 2-2 record with a 4.37 ERA in 11 starts during the same year.
While their debut in the big leagues may still be on the horizon, both Jones and Hampton have the opportunity to showcase their abilities during Spring Training. This preseason stint offers a platform for them to impress the coaching staff and potentially earn a spot on the Yankees’ roster in the future.
The Yankees are looking to bounce back from a lackluster performance in the Grapefruit League last year, where they posted a 13-18 record. This was followed by a disappointing 82-80 regular season, underscoring the importance of a strong showing in Spring Training to set the tone for the upcoming campaign.
