During the New York Yankees‘ commanding 20-3 spring training win over the Detroit Tigers on February 21 at George M. Steinbrenner Field, 24-year-old outfielder Spencer Jones delivered a notable performance with a home run. Jones, coming off an outstanding 2025 minor league season, is demonstrating why he could make a significant impact this year. Last season, Jones hit .274 with a .362 on-base percentage and .571 slugging percentage across 116 games split between Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. His 2025 numbers included 35 home runs, 80 RBIs, 102 runs scored, and 29 stolen bases, highlighting his well-rounded skill set.
Following Jones’ homer, Yankees star Aaron Judge offered high praise for the young center fielder’s work ethic and talent.
“He’s a hard worker,”
Judge told Meredith Marakovits of YES Network on February 21.
“You know, we can see the physical tools, the talent. He’s a monster out there roaming around center field, and then we see, you know, he starts it off for us with that big homer. It’s just impressive to see. In the clubhouse, this guy’s showing up early. He’s putting his work in the cage.”
“He’s doing everything on the backfields he needs to do to prepare himself, to give himself a shot to make this team out of camp. So I’m excited for him. He’s got a bright future, and he just wants to learn. I think that’s been the coolest part of seeing him, this guy’s going to be a superstar, but he’s trying to soak in as much as he can from all the guys around him.”
?Aaron Judge, New York Yankees Star
High Expectations for Carlos Lagrange’s Potential
Judge’s admiration extended beyond Jones to another top pitching prospect, Carlos Lagrange, who pitched 2 2/3 innings against Detroit. During his outing, Lagrange struck out two, allowed just one earned run on three hits, and walked two batters. His fastball reached up to 103 mph, impressing Judge with both velocity and control.
“Anytime you can run up to 103 [mph], and he has a great feel for his off-speed pitches; that’s a lethal combo,”
Judge commented to Marakovits.
“So just excited for his future, excited for what he can do on the mound for us, but Lagrange, hey, I’m excited. He’s going to have a bright future with us, and I’m looking forward to his debut whenever that comes.”
?Aaron Judge, New York Yankees Star
Judge further emphasized Lagrange’s role in the Yankees’ pitching staff.
“Carlos’ potential, man, is to be a frontline starter for the New York Yankees,”
Judge added, as reported by Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.
Judge Anticipates an Exciting Season Ahead for Yankees
Although it remains uncertain whether Jones or Lagrange will earn a spot on the Yankees’ Opening Day roster, the team’s objective is clear: to return to the World Series after falling short in the 2025 campaign. The Yankees aim to build on last year’s experiences, particularly the ALDS loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.
“It was a special group last year and now we get a second year of a lot of those guys,”
Judge reflected.
“They got their feet wet in the Bronx and the expectations of playing for a Yankee, playing in Yankee Stadium in front of those fans. So I think it’s going to be a fun year. The boys are pumped up. We got a great squad, and they’re hungry.”
?Aaron Judge, New York Yankees Star
With key young players like Jones and Lagrange earning high marks from a leader like Aaron Judge, the Yankees have fresh energy and talent contributing to their push forward. As the season progresses, the development of these prospects and how they integrate into the team’s roster will be crucial factors in New York’s quest for another championship. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these dynamic players influence the Yankees’ performance heading into 2026.
.@Yankees prospect Spencer Jones SMOKES his first #SpringTraining home run! pic.twitter.com/qMrKlV6aUW
— MLB (@MLB) February 21, 2026
"…We've got a lot of unfinished business from last season…"
– Aaron Judge catching up with @M_Marakovits after going deep twice Saturday. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/NeKeBrYu1R
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 21, 2026
Aaron Judge on Carlos Lagrange: “Carlos’ potential, man, is to be a frontline starter for the New York Yankees.”
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) February 21, 2026
