After two September auditions in 2023 and 2024, Jasson Domínguez may discover himself in a solidified supporting position in 2025.
Earlier this week, Aaron Bone stated that he expects the Yankees’ prime prospect to play a “big part” subsequent season. It’s not clear precisely what that may seem like given the present uncertainty within the crew’s outfield, nevertheless it seems like The Martian will get extra than simply one other cup of espresso.
“I proceed to be tremendous enthusiastic about Jasson’s future,” Boone stated. “I’m in that camp of people that think he’s going to be a great big league player. I love his makeup, I love his talent, and so I do expect him to be a big part of things moving forward. Always though as a young player, you’re working to earn those things and earn those opportunities. But I fully expect him to be a big part of what we do this coming year.”
Domínguez, 21, made a jaw-dropping impression after being known as up in September of 2023, hitting 4 dwelling runs in his first eight main league video games. The nice vibes shortly ended, although, as Domínguez tore his UCL and required surgical procedure.
Shortly after coming back from that damage final season, Domínguez then suffered an indirect pressure whereas taking part in at Triple-A. Due to the 2 accidents, he solely performed in 58 minor league video games final yr.
Nonetheless, Domínguez acquired one other September promotion with left fielder Alex Verdugo struggling on the plate. Domínguez is a middle fielder by commerce, however the Yankees wished to see if he may deal with left and add some offensive firepower earlier than the postseason.
As a substitute, Domínguez proved to be a defensive legal responsibility in left, and he hit simply .179 with two homers and 4 RBI over 18 large league video games. Whereas he made the Yankees’ postseason rosters, he was solely used as a pinch-runner.
Verdugo, in the meantime, began all through the playoffs.
Now Verdugo is a free agent. So is true fielder Juan Soto, leaving the Yankees with two potential holes to fill within the outfield.
With the Yankees decided to re-sign Soto and Verdugo a possible goner, may Domínguez fill one among them?
“We’re gonna see what’s in front of us,” Brian Cashman just lately stated when requested if the Yankees want two outfielders and if Domínguez shall be prepared to start out on Opening Day. “We’re gonna consider all alternatives after which make selections.
“Obviously, Domínguez missed a lot of time this past year. We’re happy that he’s here with us. He’s in a position to potentially take a spot, but we have to compare that to what else is available to us too.”
It wouldn’t be stunning if the Yankees introduced in one other outfielder who can hit from the fitting aspect for a possible platoon with Domínguez. Whereas Domínguez is a switch-hitter, he hardly had any success in opposition to lefties within the minors and majors final season.
The place Domínguez would play can be contingent on what the Yankees do that winter.
If Soto leaves and the Yankees don’t add one other proper fielder, Aaron Choose may return to proper. That might open heart up for Domínguez.
If Soto returns, the Yankees may additionally need some cheaper gamers scattered all through their beginning lineup. That might result in Domínguez taking part in left, a place he didn’t deal with very nicely final yr.
Whereas Domínguez didn’t look sharp in left, Boone believes his protection may enhance with extra reps there.
“Whether that’s center or left kind of remains to be seen,” the supervisor stated of Domínguez’s position. “It relies upon how our offseason shakes out. You by no means know what our roster seems to be like going into spring coaching, however I definitely really feel like he has that versatility to do both one.”
