TAMPA, Fla. — Spencer Jones is searching for consistency at the plate, and the towering Yankees outfield prospect is looking to one of baseball’s brightest stars for inspiration: Shohei Ohtani. As Jones prepares for the 2026 season, he’s been studying the mechanics of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way phenom, hoping to replicate the fluidity and power that have made Ohtani a four-time MVP and a back-to-back World Series champion.
The pursuit of a repeatable swing is a common challenge for young players, and Jones is no exception. He’s aiming to harness his natural power without sacrificing consistency, a balance that has eluded him at times. “He’s a great reference of a really excellent mover with a great swing,” Jones said of Ohtani. “He’s one of those guys that I look at with some of the stuff he does, and I try to apply it in whichever way I can.” This focus on Ohtani’s technique comes as Jones looks to build on a strong minor league performance and make a significant impact with the Yankees.
Jones offered a glimpse of the potential results of these adjustments on Saturday, launching a home run in his first Grapefruit League at-bat of the year. The blast came off the Tigers’ Keider Montero during the Yankees’ 20-3 victory at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The home run served as an early indication that the offseason work, specifically focusing on hand positioning and timing, is beginning to pay dividends. The 24-year-old Jones spent much of the offseason “trying to get some good feels with the hands and get those going as a trigger,” a skill Ohtani has demonstrably mastered.
Yankees Captain Sees Positive Changes
The changes in Jones’ approach haven’t gone unnoticed by veteran teammates. Yankees captain Aaron Judge, known for his own powerful swing, has observed a noticeable improvement in Jones’ mechanics. Judge highlighted the efficiency of Jones’ new approach, noting the quickness and readiness it provides. “The minute he puts that foot down with that little toe-tap, he’s ready to hit,” Judge said. “They might have gotten him with a lot of high heaters in the past, or even last season. I think that’s just going to support him.”
Judge believes the streamlined motion will allow Jones to react more effectively to different pitches. “He doesn’t have a big leg kick and doesn’t have to worry about trying to get that down. I liked the results I saw in that first at-bat. That quickness, that readiness, it’s really going to be a game-changer for him.” The endorsement from Judge, a key leader in the Yankees clubhouse, is a significant boost for Jones as he competes for a roster spot.
Ohtani’s Dominance Sets a High Bar
Although Jones is drawing inspiration from Ohtani, replicating the Dodgers star’s success is a monumental task. In 2025, Ohtani batted .282/.392/.622 with 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases, leading Los Angeles to consecutive World Series titles. The comparison isn’t about matching Ohtani’s overall production, but rather about adopting specific elements of his swing that can enhance Jones’ own game. The goal is to find a mechanical approach that allows Jones to consistently tap into his considerable power.
Prospect Progress and Future Outlook
Jones is coming off a strong 2025 season in the minor leagues, where he belted 35 home runs while splitting time between Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the Yankees’ No. 4 prospect at the end of the year. Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged that Jones has been “searching for it a little bit mechanically” during spring training, but the home run on Saturday provided a positive sign.
“The homer, the swing he put on that ball looked like it was probably belt-high, top-of-the-zone, mid-90s pitch,” Boone said. “It was really a clean move at it, and obviously a no-doubter.” Boone too noted the similarities in build between Jones and Ohtani, suggesting that Jones may be able to effectively mimic Ohtani’s movements. “The way they move, he’s trying to have one complete move with it,” Boone said. “Obviously, the size is very similar. So hopefully he can copy that well.” Jones’ homer reportedly carried over the right-field pavilion, leaving a lasting impression at Steinbrenner Field.
As the Yankees continue their spring training schedule, all eyes will be on Jones to see if he can maintain the momentum from his first Grapefruit League at-bat. The team will be closely monitoring his progress as he refines his swing and prepares for the possibility of making his major league debut later this season. The next few weeks will be crucial for Jones as he continues to work with the Yankees coaching staff to implement the changes inspired by Shohei Ohtani.
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