One Perspective (Duncan and Jones)
by Paul Semendinger
November 2026
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I usually write a list of "perspectives," but today I will give just one.
The Yankees seem intent on giving Spencer Jones a legitimate shot at playing centerfield in 2027. It seems that he is the favorite to be the starting centerfielder on the '27 squad.
Spencer Jones has a lot of talent.
Spencer Jones also has a big hole in his swing. Many have tried to correct it. No one has.
It can be argued that the one coach or manager who knows Jones' swing the best is Shelley Duncan. Jones' most productive seasons offensively have come under Duncan's watch.
We also know that most young talented players in the Yankees system do not thrive under Aaron Boone's managerial approach.
It would have made a lot of sense for Shelley Duncan to be promoted to the Major Leagues along with the young talent he coached at Triple-A. The Yankees didn't do that.
Shelley Duncan is now a Major League coach on the Red Sox.
Not only do the Red Sox now have the brightest coaching/future managerial prospect from the Yankees' system - they also have a person who knows the strengths and weaknesses of the young players they with to be at the center of their success in 2027.
The Red Sox have the coach who knows Spencer Jones best.
I would venture to guess that Spencer Jones will perform very poorly against the Red Sox in 2027. They are going to know exactly how to approach every one of his at bats. Jones isn't a "can't miss" prospect. He is one with a huge flaw, a big hole in his swing, and the person who should best know how to make that hole seem even bigger is now a coach on the Red Sox.
The Red Sox now also have the coach who it can be argued best knows Anthony Volpe, George Lombard, Jr., Jasson Dominguez, and other players who might be on the way.
This is a huge win for the Red Sox
And yet another a gigantic missed opportunity for the Yankees.
These folks cant get out of their own way. I couldn't believe it when i read it last night. It would have been a well deserved and smart promotion. He coached these kids, he knows them better than anyone, and from all I read over the years, they loved playing for him and respected his knowledge and style.
All I can conclude is that Duncan has a different opinion on hitting and playing than the powers that be do. Otherwise why wouldn't he be on their staff?
A manager in waiting on a team with a lame duck manager. A perfect fit.
He was the International League Manager of the Year in 2025.
Its like not retaining Sabean on a…