Jasson Dominguez on Yankees’ expectations: ‘It’s motivated me to get better’

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Jasson Dominguez kicked off Yankees spring training in style, launching a home run off Carlos Rodon during live batting practice Monday in Tampa. But the 22-year-old’s biggest test this season won’t be at the plate—it’s learning to play left field.

Yankees’ Jasson Dominguez embraces pressure of new role

After years of developing as a center fielder, Jasson Dominguez is shifting positions with Cody Bellinger locked into center and Aaron Judge returning to right. The Yankees are giving him every opportunity to claim the starting role by Opening Day, and he’s embracing the challenge.

“It’s a little different [playing left field], but I think it’ll be good,” Jasson Dominguez told The New York Daily News. “The pressure is there, but I feel like it’s a good thing because it’s motivated me to get better and be the player everyone expects me to be.”

Once viewed as a franchise cornerstone, Jasson Dominguez’s momentum stalled in 2024. After debuting with an electric eight-game stretch in 2023, he missed most of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery, then suffered an oblique injury that limited him to 44 Triple-A games. When he returned to the Yankees in September, he struggled, slashing .179/.313/.304 with two homers in 67 plate appearances. Defensive miscues in the outfield compounded his offensive woes, leading to Alex Verdugo starting over him in the playoffs.

Now, with Alex Verdugo gone, the Yankees are banking on Jasson Dominguez’s offseason adjustments. He’s spent months refining his footwork and reads in left field, preparing for the angles that come with playing in Yankee Stadium. Manager Aaron Boone is confident in his progress.

“He’s a young guy who’s still got to go out and earn it,” Boone said last week. “He hasn’t played a ton of baseball for as fast as he’s gotten to the big leagues. But we all see the talent. I’d love for him to grab it, and my expectation is that he will.”

Jasson Dominguez has five weeks to prove he’s ready. If his early showing at camp is any indication, the Yankees—and their fans—are eager to see him take the next step.

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