Assessing Yankees' prospects and players drawing interest ahead of MLB trade deadline

TORONTO – Attuned to the organization’s minor league box scores, Aaron Boone initially thought Spencer Jones’ familiar looking Sunday stats hadn’t been updated.

A moment later, the Yankees manager realized that Jones had just registered consecutive 4-for-5 games.

Since the lefty-hitting slugger’s June 27 promotion to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Jones is “probably as hot as anyone in the minor leagues,’’ said Boone.

By next spring training, Jones might be in contention to claim a Yankees starting outfield spot.

There’s also a chance Jones could be moved by the July 31 MLB trade deadline to improve a pennant-minded 2025 Yankee team with multiple needs.

Here is a look at certain young Yankees doubtless drawing interest from potential trade partners:

George Lombard Jr.

Position: Shortstop

Age: 20

Draft/signing info: 2023 first round (26th overall).

Responding to a recent question about potential "untouchable'' Yankee prospects, GM Brian Cashman said wryly that "some are less touchable than others.''

Widely viewed as the Yankees' top prospect, Lombard Jr. - promoted to Class AA Somerset in May - is about as untouchable as they get for his all-around skillset, outstanding makeup and high ceiling.

Ben Rice

Position: Catcher-first base

Age: 26

Draft/signing info: 2021, 12th round (363rd overall).

Already a lefty hitter of import in the Yankees' lineup, Rice could be their regular first baseman in 2026, with Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year deal and Austin Wells locked in behind the plate.

That won't prevent clubs from inquiring about Rice, or lefty-hitting J.C. Escarra, the 30-year-old rookie catcher-first baseman whose path to playing time is currently blocked.

Will Warren

Position: Starting pitcher

Age: 26

Draft/signing info: 2021, eighth round (243rd overall).

Big league pitching isn't something the Yanks are looking to subtract, and the right-hander deserves credit for helping stabilize an injury-battered rotation since April.

As with Warren, the same can be said of Schlittler, who is drawing more attention after two MLB starts with his 99-mph heaters and fearless approach.

But Warren's swing-and-miss stuff and team control makes him an attractive piece for a rebuilding club, and therefore a potential trade piece if he can help lure multiple needs.

Cam Schlittler

Position: Starting pitcher

Age: 24

Draft/signing info: 2022 seventh round (220th overall).

The right-hander's moxie and 99-mph fastball were on display again Tuesday at Toronto, his second MLB start, taking a tough no-decision but giving the Yanks a chance to win their first game this year at Rogers Centre.

"I really like his demeanor and his quiet intensity,'' Boone said before the game, having been impressed by Schlittler in spring training.

"He had a real good presence about him, didn’t seem overwhelmed by anything or too amped up,'' said Boone. "There’s fire burning in there which I liked.''

Spencer Jones

Position: Center field

Age: 24

Draft/signing info: 2022 first round (25th overall).

As a close-to-big-league ready player, Jones' stock has soared since his promotion to Triple-A.

Over his first 16 games at Scranton, the 6-foot-7, 240-pound Jones is batting .426 (29-for-68) with 10 home runs, 20 RBI and a 1.422 OPS. Plus, he's 6-for-6 in stolen base attempts.

Boone lauded Jones’ continued adjustments at the plate.

“We always talk about his (high) ceiling,’’ due to his power, speed and defensive ability. Now, “he’s really starting to get results.’’

Rafael Flores

Position: Catcher.

Age: 24.

Draft/signing info: 2022 undrafted free agent.

Just promoted to Triple-A, Flores has a combined .845 OPS this year in 90 minor league games, with 16 homers and 57 RBI.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-handed hitter has already impressed the big-league staff in spring training, and the Yanks have already recently traded away several key catching prospects that have made an impact in MLB.

Yankees' prospects also on the radar of MLB trade deadline sellers

Among the Yankees' prospects bound to be receiving trade inquiries include right-handed pitchers Clayton Beeter, Ben Hess, Bryce Cunningham and Cade Smith, lefty pitcher Brock Selvidge, outfielder Everson Pereira, and infielders Roderick Arias and Roc Riggio.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Assessing New York Yankees’ prospects and players ahead of MLB trade deadline