ORLANDO, Fla. — The Yankees took advantage of the Winter Meetings to address the speculation surrounding Jasson Dominguez. Their stance was clear and direct. The 22 year old remains a vital part of what the organization is building for the future. The front office has no plans to hurry a replacement into left field. They have become more determined to protect his regular playing time after observing how his opportunities diminished as last season progressed.
Yankees explore options while keeping Dominguez at the center
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The Yankees found themselves linked to Kyle Tucker for several days following the Astros outfielder’s visit to Toronto last week. Tucker made the trip to Dunedin to see the Blue Jays’ training facility. He chose not to make the brief journey south to Tampa. Brian Cashman acknowledged that the Yankees were not included in Tucker’s schedule of visits. The organization views him as a premium free agent but not as a backup plan.
Bringing back Cody Bellinger remains the top priority for New York. The front office intends to present an offer but wants to avoid entering a lengthy negotiation with Scott Boras. This approach stems from the belief they hold in Dominguez. They think the switch hitting outfielder is prepared for a complete season of consistent at bats as a regular starter. And they want to discover whether his promising moments from 2025 can translate into sustained production in an expanded role.
Dominguez finished with a .257 batting average over 421 at bats during the previous season. League average hitters posted .245. He placed fourth among Yankees players who recorded at least 400 at bats. His 10 home runs were modest but his 23 stolen bases provided a skill set the lineup frequently needed. His 23 for 28 success rate on the basepaths ranked second best on the roster. His only postseason appearance at the plate resulted in a pinch hit double. The remainder of his October involvement came as a bench player.
The Yankees have also developed greater confidence in turning to internal choices. This group includes Oswaldo Cabrera and Amed Rosario if Bellinger decides to sign with another team. Jose Caballero can also move positions once Anthony Volpe recovers from left shoulder surgery in April or May.
“We’re back in the hypothetical game again,” Boone said Monday. “Right now, the reality, JD is a young, talented player that got real experience at the big league level last year. He had a lot of success. He had some struggles along the way with it, but I think we all see a really talented player there.”
Aaron Boone was asked about what the Yankees would do with Jasson Dominguez in a healthy outfield:
"We all see a really talented player there. If a situation presents itself, you figure it out" pic.twitter.com/LyFgfepGZU
Boone referenced how the Yankees juggled three different players in center and left field throughout last season. Bellinger, Dominguez and Trent Grisham took turns early in the year when Aaron Judge moved to designated hitter on select days. Injuries to Giancarlo Stanton created additional variables in the alignment. Boone felt the rotation of players proved beneficial.
“There were times in the season early on, in the first half especially, where a rotation kind of served us well and all those guys really probably thrived,” Boone said. “In some cases, it probably helped keep some guys a little bit fresher down the stretch because of that.”
That same depth could return if Bellinger rejoins the club. It might also create obstacles for Dominguez’s playing time. The Yankees understand that developing players require daily at bats. That consideration played a role in their hesitation to pursue outfielders beyond Bellinger and Tucker.
Defense remains the critical test
AP Photo/Seth Wenig
The most significant question mark in Dominguez’s skill set involves his defense. His minus 9 Outs Above Average rating in left field finished last among 33 qualified players in 2025 according to Baseball Savant. Scouts identified delayed reactions and poor route selection as consistent problems. The Yankees continue to see meaningful potential because of his raw athletic ability.
“There’s still a long way to go in that improvement,” Boone admitted. “I think back to the end of 2024 where we saw him out there, where there were some real struggles obviously still getting used to left field. He’s still now getting used to left field. It’s still fairly new for him.”
Jasson Dominguez makes a nice play at the wall, but it's still a sac fly that gives the Rays a 4-3 lead pic.twitter.com/9di0QK1BEn
Boone highlighted his development during spring training last year. Dominguez displayed better instincts by June. The Yankees monitor his gains in short burst speed measurements through Statcast. Those figures climbed by the middle of summer. His throwing arm also measured above average. His obstacle is maintaining steady performance.
“His athleticism is a real calling card for him as far as his speed and arm strength and things like that,” Boone said. “And you hope that continues to win the day and eventually gets him to that point to now he’s getting really good out there.”
Dominguez participated in winter ball in the Dominican Republic to maintain his activity level. He recorded a .184 average with zero home runs across 38 at bats. Boone brushed aside worries about those statistics.
“Small sample,” he said. “But I think just going down there and playing in that environment and getting some at bats … I think it’s good to go do that.”
Yankees weigh Bellinger pursuit against development needs
The Yankees hope to bring Bellinger back to the Bronx. His initial season in New York rebuilt his standing as one of the game’s most well rounded outfielders. He covered all three outfield positions and contributed at first base. He posted elite defensive numbers and maintained an OPS near .800 despite dealing with minor physical setbacks.
“Obviously, what Cody brought to us last year in so many ways, just who he was in the room, performance between the lines on both sides of the ball, his athleticism, his versatility … who wouldn’t want a player like that?” Boone said.
The Mets, Dodgers, Phillies and Blue Jays have all expressed interest in Bellinger. If his asking price exceeds what the Yankees are willing to spend, the team might shift direction. That would strengthen their position that Dominguez needs an opportunity to accumulate more playing time and experience.
MLB talent evaluators continue to project him as a future All Star candidate. His ability to control the strike zone improved during the second half of the season. His hard contact rate jumped from 33 percent to 42 percent following the break. His sprint speed placed him in the top 15 percent among all outfielders. Each statistic reinforces the Yankees’ conviction that he can reach another level with regular opportunities.
The situation remains fluid. But the Yankees have delivered their message clearly. Dominguez is not being pushed to the periphery. He is being positioned closer to the heart of their plans.
