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Yankees Prospect Spencer Jones Adopts Ohtani-Style Toe-Tap, Delivers Early Spring Power

Despite the surge, the Yankees expect to prioritize regular Triple-A at-bats.

Overview

  • Jones says many of his whiffs came with his front foot off the ground, so he switched to a toe-down, toe-tap timing move modeled on Shohei Ohtani.
  • In a tiny sample this spring, he is 3-for-10 with three home runs, six RBIs, two walks and four strikeouts.
  • Aaron Judge praised the change, saying the toe-tap leaves Jones "ready to hit" and should help against high fastballs.
  • The 6-foot-7 outfielder, a 2022 Yankees draftee, blasted 35 homers with 80 RBIs in 2025 but battled elevated strikeouts that the adjustment aims to reduce.
  • With Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham entrenched and Jasson Domínguez in the mix, the club is inclined to start Jones in Triple-A for steady reps.