Jasson Dominguez has long been hailed as the New York Yankees’ top prospect. While he made his major league debut in 2023 and saw some playing time last season, Dominguez has yet to fully find his rhythm at the big league level. Despite being expected to play a key role for the Yankees in 2025, he’s faced challenges adjusting to left field during spring training.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman expressed cautious optimism about Dominguez’s progress in left field. “Obviously, he hasn’t played much in left. My impression is that he’ll get all the reps he needs to secure the spot… and Boone is giving him as many opportunities as possible to make up for lost time,” Cashman said, according to SNY Yankees Videos on X.
While Dominguez’s primary position is center field, the Yankees shifted their plans after failing to re-sign right fielder Juan Soto. The team traded for Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, with the new strategy involving moving Aaron Judge to right field, Bellinger to center, and Dominguez to left. Bellinger, a former MVP and Gold Glove winner, is a seasoned center fielder and considered the best option for that position. However, Dominguez has struggled in left field, and Cashman noted, “There’s a lane for him to take, I’d love for him to seize the opportunity. He has the chance, but he’ll have to earn it.”
The Yankees remain hopeful that Dominguez will settle into left field, rounding out a well-balanced outfield. Although there’s no replacing Juan Soto, the team has added several key players, such as Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, and Max Fried, as they aim to build a stronger roster with better defense and pitching than the team that lost the World Series to the Dodgers last season.
However, questions still remain about the left field position. Another area of concern for the Yankees is third base. Jazz Chisholm Jr. filled in at third after being traded from the Miami Marlins mid-season, but manager Aaron Boone is moving him back to his natural position at second base.
An injury to DJ LeMahieu has led to a competition for third base between Oswaldo Peraza and Oswald Cabrera. The Yankees could pursue a trade for 10-time Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado, who would be a major upgrade at third. However, New York has yet to make a move for the veteran.
