New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones, 25, is engaged. He and girlfriend Ava O’Connor announced the news in a joint Instagram post on Saturday, sharing photos from his proposal atop the Empire State Building and from celebrations around New York City.
“Forever starts today,” the post read. “I feel like the luckiest man on Earth to propose to the most beautiful, intelligent, and sweetest woman I’ve ever met. You’ve elevated my life in so many ways & I can’t wait to take your hand in marriage.”
“You are the brightest light in a city of endless opportunities. I truly believe the world is ours when I am with you. There is nothing we cannot do when we are together. You are so easy to love. The Joneses coming soon!”
It’s not publicly known exactly when the couple began dating, though the earliest photos of the two together on social media date to mid-2024. O’Connor publicly cheered Jones’ first promotion to the major leagues in May, writing on her Instagram Story at the time: “Let’s go baby! The most deserving incredible man. I love you!”
A Breakout, Imperfect Rookie Season
Jones, a 6-foot-7 outfielder once regarded as a top prospect, made his major league debut this year and showed flashes of star potential. Across 86 games, he posted a slash line of .245/.313/.429 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs.
Strikeouts were his biggest weakness, with 105 in just 289 plate appearances. Speaking to The Post after the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs by the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS, Jones was candid about the work ahead.
“I struck out a million times this year. I feel like I didn’t help the team in certain contexts that way. I think defensively, I think I can get better. I think I can get faster. And then the mental side of the game — leaning on the resources we have here and making sure that I’m the best competitor when the season starts next year.”
For now, Jones is focused on a different kind of offseason milestone.
