Is Jasson Dominguez overhyped? As ridiculous as it sounds, the statement came from the MLB insider Jared Carrabis, and it is equally shocking. The 2019 top prospect has gained the limelight for his early achievements and is set to start as a leftfielder for the Yankees this year. Well, things went for a toss for Dominguez since then. His recent performance as the leftfielder in the spring training season seems to be the root of all causes.
Dominguez was once touted as the replacement for Juan Soto, but the recent discussions about him are anything but worthy. Dominguez has yet to start a full year with the Yankees in the major league, and it might be that it is too early to judge his performance based on a few spring games. Considering that, what are the problems Dominguez is facing as an LF? What options do the Yankees have to deal with this situation? Does Dominguez deserve more time to excel?
Highs and lows of Jasson Dominguez
Dominguez got into the MLB scene with a bang. In 2023, he surpassed Whitey Lockman as the youngest player in MLB history to hit a home run in their first plate appearance. Domínguez also became the youngest player in team history to do it in their major league debut. Enough show of talent on debut. While he is just coming with 2 HRs and 4 RBIs from last year, the Yankees are open enough to keep him as the starter from the left field this year. “There’s no reason he shouldn’t be able to handle left field,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said about Dominguez. What went south, then?
I don’t care about spring training statistics, but the one thing we actually can take from spring training performances thus far is that Jasson Dominguez is a horrendous defender. Maybe the worst of all-time.
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) February 27, 2025
“One thing we actually can take from spring training performances thus far is that Jasson Dominguez is a horrendous defender. Maybe the worst of all time,” said MLB insider Jared Carrabis. The ongoing spring games stats for Dominguez are below average, indeed. Early in Sunday’s 4-0 Grapefruit League defeat to the Tigers, Domínguez had a few tough spots. He lost a fly ball in the sun in the third inning and failed to hold a drive by Andy Ibáñez in the fourth that fell in for a double that scored two runs. Though unfortunate, it’s enough for the insiders to write him off.
Probable options for the Yankees
There are more roads left to conquer for Jasson Dominguez before getting settled as a leftfielder. In that case, should the Yankees opt for newer options or offer more time to him? The Yankees chose Alex Verdugo’s defense in each of their postseason games after Domínguez, a natural center fielder, battled with a few similar misplays in left field last September. Boone stated on Sunday that he has no interest in trading Domínguez and center fielder Cody Bellinger this spring, but he has stated that Domínguez will be given “every opportunity” to demonstrate his ability to be the Yankees’ primary left fielder.
The team is willing to offer more learning time to Dominguez. He is now 21, has been with the Yankees since 2022, and has shown flashes of his strength and athleticism. The Martian can hit in both offensive profiles, is disciplined, and can be aggressive when needed. He has talent, but he will need to demonstrate that he is prepared to take on the role of Juan Soto and can handle the pressure of playing at LF. Otherwise, the Yankees can also opt for Trent Grisham, the Golden Glove awardee, for the LF role.
It’s too early to write off Jasson Dominguez, and some more time might prove his worthiness in the team. Time will now answer how it goes.
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