NEW YORK — The New York Yankees remain uncertain about Jasson Dominguez’s role heading into 2026. Manager Aaron Boone says the 22-year-old outfielder is on track to become an everyday player, possibly in left field. Yet, his limited postseason action again raised doubts about how the organization truly views him.
For the second straight postseason, Dominguez spent most of his time on the bench. He recorded just one at-bat in the 2025 playoffs — a 112 mph double that flashed his elite potential. That lone highlight, however, couldn’t hide a familiar issue. The Yankees continue to talk about Dominguez’s future, but his present role remains uncertain.
Boone doubles down on Dominguez potential
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Boone has stayed consistent in his belief that Dominguez can become a key part of the Yankees lineup. Despite growing questions about where he fits, the manager continues to express confidence.
“I expect him to be right in that mix to be that guy,” Boone said this week. “I still really like his ceiling. But, again, you’ve got to see where the winter takes you and what the roster looks like. I expect him to be a regular player for us, though.”
Boone cited Dominguez’s 2025 season as evidence of growth. The Dominican outfielder logged 381 at-bats — a major jump from 56 the previous year — and posted a .257 batting average with 10 home runs and a 101 OPS+. His numbers reflected progress but also showed that he has room to grow before becoming a true impact player.
Jasson Domínguez is expected to play regularly next season, Aaron Boone said. He may play in winter ball. They envision him in left field, depending on how the offseason goes.
“He did a lot of really good things this year,” Boone told reporters. “We all see his ability at the plate. He didn’t hit for a lot of power, but there’s power in there to all fields from both sides of the plate. He has a chance to really hit and be a good defender. And we saw the impact he can have on the basepaths. This season very much showed us we can still dream on him.”
Defense remains a major concern
Dominguez’s offensive flashes often get overshadowed by his struggles in left field. Defensive metrics paint a concerning picture that contradicts Boone’s optimism.
Among 19 outfielders who played at least 790 innings in left field last season, Dominguez ranked last in Defensive Runs Saved at minus-7, according to Fangraphs. Baseball Savant’s data was even harsher, with minus-10 Outs Above Average — the lowest among 34 qualified outfielders.
Boone acknowledged the defensive issues but remained positive. “Definitely, left field continues to be a work in progress,” he said. “I think he made tremendous strides there.”
Scouts around the league disagree. “I don’t see a guy that’s comfortable there, and Yankee Stadium isn’t a place you want someone who’s figuring it out,” an American League scout said.
Dominguez came up through the Yankees’ system primarily as a center fielder, but injuries and lost development time during the 2020 pandemic season slowed his defensive progress. The Yankees now want him to adapt to left field, though his performance so far has raised serious doubts.
Right-handed struggles compound the problem
Dominguez’s issues aren’t limited to defense. His offensive production as a switch-hitter has also been inconsistent, especially from the right side of the plate.
As a right-handed hitter in 2025, Dominguez managed just a .569 OPS with one home run in 104 plate appearances. He struck out 34 times, showing shaky plate discipline and difficulty adjusting to breaking pitches. For a player the Yankees hope to build around, that split represents a weakness pitchers will continue to exploit.
The Yankees still believe Dominguez can develop more power and balance from both sides of the plate, but his inability to make consistent contact from the right side remains a key obstacle. Whether he can close that gap will determine how long the organization continues to view him as a cornerstone piece.
Winter ball assignment on the horizon
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To help his progress, the Yankees plan to send Dominguez to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic. He will join Leones del Escogido in the country’s top winter league, LIDOM, a circuit known for its competitive atmosphere and developmental benefits.
Boone confirmed that the Yankees want Dominguez to focus on refining his defense and gaining more live-game repetitions. “I hope Jasson plays winter ball in the Dominican Republic,” Boone said. “It’s a great opportunity to keep working on his defense and timing.”
This decision signals that the Yankees still see Dominguez as a long-term project worth investing in. With nearly 500 major league at-bats between 2024 and 2025, he’s entering a critical stage in his career. The team wants him ready to take a permanent role but is not yet confident enough to guarantee it.
Free agency decisions to decide future
Dominguez’s future with the Yankees may depend on what happens in free agency. Both Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger could leave the Bronx this winter. Grisham hit free agency after a strong season in center field, while Bellinger is expected to opt out of his deal following a 29-home-run, 98-RBI campaign.
If both depart, the Yankees will face major gaps in their outfield. How much faith they place in Dominguez could shape their entire offseason strategy. If they believe he’s ready to handle left field full time, the team could focus resources on pitching or infield upgrades. If not, they may pursue another veteran outfielder to bridge the gap.
Relying on Dominguez carries risk. His defensive metrics and uneven offensive production make him a gamble for a team with postseason ambitions. Still, his age, athleticism, and potential give the Yankees reasons to keep him in the mix.
Dominguez remains the youngest player on the Yankees’ 40-man roster, a fact that highlights both his promise and his inexperience. At some point, however, potential must translate into performance.
The Yankees have spoken publicly about their belief in Dominguez’s future for two years. Yet when October arrives, he continues to watch from the dugout instead of playing on the field. Boone’s faith sounds convincing, but the reality is less certain.
Until the Yankees trust Dominguez enough to give him a full-time role and let him develop through mistakes, his future will remain unclear — a reflection of a franchise still unsure whether its young outfielder is a cornerstone or a question mark.
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