The New York Yankees are considering using Cody Bellinger in center field, though first base remains a possibility. If Bellinger plays center, it would allow Aaron Judge to move to right field, where he is better suited defensively.
Rather than pursuing another left fielder, the Yankees are aiming to bring Pete Alonso to the Bronx to take over at first base. This would also give Jasson Dominguez the opportunity to prove his value to general manager Brian Cashman. “I’d like to see Dominguez get his shot now,” Cashman said, according to the New York Post. “He’s young. He’s got to earn it and retain it.”
Dominguez, 21, has had limited success in his brief MLB appearances, playing just 26 games at the top level. However, as the Yankees’ top prospect, he has a lot of potential. Last season, he posted a .314 batting average and an .880 OPS in 58 minor league games.
While his defense could improve, he still has the tools to be a standout player, and at 22 years old in 2025, he could develop into a key contributor for the Yankees. Signing Alonso would help give Dominguez his chance to shine.
It’s worth noting that Bellinger is coming off a down year, with an OPS of just .751, slightly above the league average. Despite his struggles, he earns more than a typical league-average outfielder or first baseman, depending on where the Yankees choose to place him.
Adding Alonso to the roster could provide a major boost, especially with the Yankees’ powerful hitters like Judge, Stanton, and Bellinger already in place. If Dominguez reaches his potential, he could fill the void left by Juan Soto’s 2024 production.
Alonso, who has been one of the best power hitters in baseball since 2019, would bring even more firepower to the Yankees lineup. With 30 or more home runs in every full season of his career, the four-time All-Star also has a consistent injury record, never missing more than ten games in a season.
Although Alonso had a down year in 2024, his postseason performance showed he’s still a major threat, with a .273 batting average, .999 OPS, and four home runs. Adding him to the lineup alongside Judge, Bellinger, and Stanton could provide the protection Alonso has often lacked in his career.
Bringing Alonso to the Yankees would cap off an outstanding offseason for Cashman, who, despite losing the Juan Soto sweepstakes to the Mets, has added key pieces like Devin Williams and Max Fried.
The Yankees are clearly in win-now mode, and a lineup featuring Alonso, Judge, Bellinger, Stanton, Chisholm, and Wells could put them over the top, especially if Dominguez lives up to his potential.
