Aaron Judge’s performance this season places him as the leading candidate for the AL MVP, but a critical misplay in Game 5 of the World Series, which ended in a 4-1 Dodgers win, has sparked questions about his defensive positioning in center field.
MLB analyst Scott Braun, speaking recently on PIX11 News’ SportsNation, raised concerns about the Yankees’ choice to place Judge in center field. Braun questioned Judge’s defensive range in the position and pointed to the physical demands it imposes, which could impact Judge’s longevity. While Judge has capably filled the role this season, Braun suggested a move to a corner outfield spot, currently held by Juan Soto, could better suit the team.
“[Aaron] Judge is not, for me, a good center fielder. I also still feel nervous. I know he made it through this season that way, but he’s a huge dude, and for longevity purposes, center field wears you down. He is much better in a corner, and I think they should take that more seriously,” Braun said.
The analyst sees another place in the outfield most suitable for Aaron Judge. In the 2024 season, Juan Soto occupied it. Even if the Yankees acquire Soto in free agency, Braun wants Judge to take that position.
Braun also proposed Jasson Dominguez as a potential center field replacement. Despite the Yankees’ initial hesitations with Dominguez, his speed and defensive skill could bring stability to the outfield. Dominguez’s limited playoff role saw him appear in three games solely as a pinch runner, with no at-bats in the World Series.
“If anything, I think there’s a chance [Jasson] Dominguez plays in center because he’s a great athlete, even though I know they were nervous about him. You put Judge back in the corner, regardless of if they sign [Juan] Soto or not,” the MLB analyst added.
Braun, who hosts the popular MLB podcast Foul Territory and is a former analyst with MLB Network and NHL Network, provides an experienced perspective on the Yankees’ potential outfield adjustments.
Dominguez perfect for Yankees’ center field
Braun suggested the Yankees should consider shifting Aaron Judge to a corner outfield spot, recommending Dominguez for center field based on his athleticism. Braun argued that moving Judge to left or right field could enhance the team’s defensive setup, irrespective of Juan Soto’s free agency outcome.
Dominguez, a 21-year-old prospect known as “The Martian,” has quickly generated enthusiasm among Yankees fans and staff. His major league debut in 2024 came unexpectedly as an injury replacement for DJ LeMahieu, rather than in the September call-ups. Over 18 games, Dominguez posted a .179/.313/.304 slash line, with two home runs, four RBIs, and five stolen bases.
Though included on the Yankees’ 26-man playoff roster, Dominguez’s October action was limited to pinch-running appearances, totaling three games without a plate appearance during the team’s World Series run.
With both corner outfield slots open after Alex Verdugo and Juan Soto entered free agency, Dominguez is expected to take on a larger role in 2025. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in a bigger role for Dominguez, emphasizing that his specific field position would depend on the team’s overall roster strategy.
Dominguez’s 2024 season was marred by injuries, including Tommy John surgery and an oblique strain, which sidelined him and pushed Aaron Judge to center field. Upon his return, Dominguez shifted to left field, where he faced defensive challenges adjusting to the position.
As Judge approaches his age-33 season, concerns about the physical toll of the center field could pave the way for Dominguez’s return to his natural position. While he didn’t replicate his sensational September 2023 debut—when he posted a .980 OPS with four homers in just eight games—Dominguez’s 2024 performance still showed promise. He made quality contact at the major league level, and in Triple-A, he recorded seven home runs and a 121 wRC+ over 44 games.
Looking to 2025, FanGraphs projects an encouraging season for Dominguez, predicting a .249/.326/.417 line with 20 home runs, 66 RBIs, 20 steals, and a 112 wRC+. This would represent a notable upgrade over Alex Verdugo’s 2024 output of .233/.291/.356, with 83 wRC+, 13 homers, and 61 RBIs.
Dominguez retains rookie eligibility for 2025, making him an early AL Rookie of the Year candidate. Should he win, the Yankees would earn a compensatory draft pick following the first round in 2026, adding a potential future asset to their organization.
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