With the beginning of Yankees spring coaching simply two weeks away, Aaron Boone shed some mild on his most well-liked outfield alignment on Tuesday.
The supervisor, talking with WFAN’s Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata, mentioned that he plans on utilizing Jasson Domínguez in left area. Cody Bellinger, acquired from the Cubs earlier this season, will probably play middle.
Bellinger has expertise taking part in all three outfield positions and has rated nicely over 4,015 innings as a middle fielder, totaling 10 Defensive Runs Saved and 19 Outs Above Common. Some questioned if he may transfer to left when taking part in within the Bronx this season, as that’s the harder place at Yankee Stadium.
Domínguez, in the meantime, struggled in left throughout a late-season call-up final 12 months. The 21-year-old misplayed a handful of balls whereas recording -1 Defensive Runs Saved and -2 Outs Above Common. Nonetheless, the pure middle fielder acquired restricted reps in left within the majors and minors due to an injury-riddled season.
With some extra observe, the Yankees are hoping Domínguez can take over in left with Alex Verdugo not in his approach.
“We’ll try and get Domínguez up to speed in left,” Boone mentioned.
Boone went on to clarify that he would like to maintain Domínguez in a single spot. Bellinger, who may play first base, can transfer round as wanted with Aaron Decide in proper and Trent Grisham at present providing high quality middle area protection off the bench.
“I feel good about moving Bellinger wherever,” Boone mentioned. “I’d ideally not like to move Domínguez as much. So on a day where [Giancarlo Stanton] is out and Judge is going to DH, I can move Bellinger over [to right] and throw Grish into center and keep Domínguez in left.
“But we’ll see how it all shakes out.”
Boone additionally talked about Everson Pereira as a part of the Yankees’ outfield combine. The 23-year-old is wholesome after present process UCL surgical procedure final season.
INFIELD ALIGNMENT
The Yankees’ present choices at second and third base — Jazz Chisholm Jr., DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza — are all able to taking part in each positions. “Right now,” Boone mentioned that he has Chisholm at second, with the opposite three competing for the recent nook. In fact, it’s doable the Yankees add one other infielder between now and Opening Day, however exterior choices are restricted.
Chisholm discovered third on the fly final season after being acquired from the Marlins, however second is his most skilled place. No matter the place he performed, he was at all times anticipated to start out for the Yankees.
The opposite three go away quite a bit to be desired at third. LeMahieu, nonetheless owed $30 million over the subsequent two years, has proven severe decline and battled accidents the previous couple of seasons. Nonetheless, the Yankees have repeatedly expressed hope that the two-time batting champ can rebound in 2025.
Cabrera, in the meantime, is greatest suited as a utilityman, as he can play nearly all over the place. Peraza has but to point out that he can hit large league pitching.
WHO IS HITTING FIRST?
After watching Gleyber Torres, now with the Tigers, declare the leadoff spot final season, the Yankees don’t have a transparent candidate for the job proper now. Boone talked about Chisholm and Domínguez as potentialities, however solely briefly. He then talked about Chisholm’s energy making him a risk in the midst of the order.
Anthony Volpe could possibly be one other logical leadoff choice, however provided that he exhibits that he can get on base at the next clip in 12 months 3.
Boone additionally mentioned the Yankees may alternate leadoff hitters relying on whether or not they’re dealing with a lefty or a righty.
