Yankees MILB 9/21: Spencer Jones Just Misses 30/30
Notes:
Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)
Updated look at the trade deadline.
Today is the last day of the regular season. This would typically be the time I would thank everyone for reading. However, Scranton decided to extend my writing assignment for at least two more games. If I am still doing this next Saturday, that means they are playing in the Triple-A Championship Game.
Scranton (87-60; 49-26 in second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 2-1)
This is Scranton’s first playoff appearance since 2019, and they haven’t won the International League Championship since 2016 (they also won the overall Triple-A Championship that season). They will take on Jacksonville in a 3-game series starting Tuesday. Because they need to complete the series as quickly as possible (so they can play the Triple-A Championship Game), they play on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with all games in Jacksonville. The PCL Championship Series will be between Tacoma and Las Vegas.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI
Vivas ends the season on a 7-game hitting streak (8-for-25). He looked overmatched in his brief MLB time (though he hit a big home run in a 1-0 victory over the Rangers). I wish he still had an option next year because he is a useful player to have on the shuttle.
LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-1
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, BB, 3 K
Escarra has decent job security – the Yankees need catching depth, and they know he can handle life in the big leagues.
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-2, BB
PH-2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-2
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, R, SB (19), BB, K
Jones, who has a 22-game on-base streak, ends the season with 35 home runs and 29 stolen bases. I am sure an umpire missed the call on at least one of his six caught stealings (and they were never wrong when they called him safe). In case you were wondering, that annoying Ryan Ward (LAD) dude was able to overtake him for the minor league home run title. He’s like 45 years old and playing in the most souped-up league in the observable universe – so must we count that? I’ll get into Jones’ future more once Scranton’s season is over. Preview: His strikeout rate remains insanely scary (you can debate it all day – it’s true), even as the rest of his game shows progress.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-2, SB (5), 2 BB, K
DH Brennen Davis: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 2-for-3, 2B (13), R, BB, K
Will Shewmake remain on the 40-man roster over the winter? My first instinct is no. However, my first instinct was that he wouldn’t survive on the roster through April, never mind the entire season.
RF Duke Ellis: 0-for-2, 2 SAC, K
Two sacrifice bunts? Are we turning back the clock to 1968?
RHP Kenta Maeda: (W, 6-7) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
A solid five innings from Maeda. He would be rested for the Triple-A Championship game if they get there, though Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz would also be in the mix if they aren’t going to shut him down.
RHP Bailey Dees: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Dees’ Triple-A ERA was solid (2.76), but he walked 14 over 16.1 innings (19 strikeouts).
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Impressive afternoon for Bird. In his final four games, he struck out ten batters in 4.1 innings. Just looking for signs that he can be viable in 2026.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: (S, 3) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
If every player who appears with the team receives a World Series ring, Sandridge should ensure the Yankees have his ring size. Am I too confident?
Somerset (73-65; 38-31 in the second half; lost in the first round of the playoffs)
Their season is over.
Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 in the second half)
Their season is over.
Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)
Their season is over.
FCL (28-30)
Their season is over.
DSL Yankees (24-32)
Their season is over.
DSL Bombers (31-25)
Their season is over.