Aaron Judge, the Yankees' star player, has been closely observing Spencer Jones' transformation into a power-hitting machine. Jones, a 6-foot-7 prospect, has been working on a new batting stance and swing, drawing inspiration from the hitting style of Shohei Ohtani, the reigning MVP. During a recent spring training game, Jones showcased his improved skills, hitting a 408-foot home run in his first at-bat, much to Judge's delight.
Judge, known for his own power-hitting abilities, has been a mentor to Jones, offering guidance and support. He praises Jones' new stance, which eliminates the need for a large leg kick, allowing Jones to be ready to hit from the moment his foot touches the ground. This change has resulted in more contact and power, as evidenced by Jones' impressive performance.
Jones' journey towards the MLB has been marked by experimentation with different stances. In 2024, he used an open stance with low hands, and in 2025, he adopted a Judge-like leg kick with raised hands. This year, he ditched the leg kick and incorporated a swing follow-through that closely resembles Ohtani's. Manager Aaron Boone sees the similarities and believes Jones can emulate Ohtani's success.
Jones is optimistic about his recent changes, feeling good about his hand positioning and swing. He has been working closely with the Yankees' hitting coaches and Judge, who is always willing to offer advice and answer questions. With his improved skills and guidance from his teammates, Jones is on track to make his MLB debut this season, aiming for less swing-and-miss and more consistent contact.
