NEW YORK — Jasson Domínguez entered the Yankees lineup with high expectations, but his production in 2025 has been modest. Once hailed as the franchise’s premier prospect and known by the nickname “The Martian,” his standing within the organization is no longer secure as the season nears its end.
Veteran reporter Jon Heyman wrote that the New York Yankees are prepared to hear trade offers for the 22-year-old outfielder this offseason. In his report, Heyman described Domínguez as a “realistic offseason trade candidate,” a dramatic change for a player long considered untouchable in negotiations.
“He’s been untouchable, but Spencer Jones should be ready and Domínguez has disappointed defensively,” Heyman said, noting the rise of fellow prospect Spencer Jones and defensive shortcomings as key reasons for the shift.
Defensive struggles drive trade consideration
Jasson Domínguez’s defensive metrics have raised alarms this year. Across 724 innings in left field, he has a minus-9 Outs Above Average and minus-7 Defensive Runs Saved, placing him in the bottom tier of outfield defenders. FanGraphs data estimates he has cost the Yankees 7.3 runs, ranking him in the third percentile among all outfielders.
Although his fielding percentage has improved, range remains a major weakness. His Range Runs rating is –4 and his UZR/150 sits at –19.3, signaling he has failed to cover balls most outfielders reach. These deficiencies have made his long-term role questionable.
The Yankees have endured postseason exits tied to defensive miscues in past years. That history may increase the urgency to avoid more issues in the outfield. The 22-year-old’s lack of range has become a significant factor in front-office evaluations of future roster plans.
“I’d like to see [Domínguez] get his shot now,” Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman said back in December 2024, voicing optimism about the young player’s future.
But more recent results have clouded that outlook. Domínguez endured a tough stretch in August, going 1-for-19 before being benched for three consecutive games against the Minnesota Twins. It was the first time he sat out multiple contests this season.
Offensive production mixed with concerns
Despite defensive struggles, Domínguez has shown offensive flashes. He is batting .255 with 9 home runs, 37 RBIs, and 50 runs scored across 99 games. His speed has added 19 stolen bases.
On May 9, Domínguez became the youngest player in Yankees history to homer three times in a single game during a win over the Oakland Athletics. Less than two weeks later, he delivered his first career walk-off homer against the Texas Rangers.
His path has not been without setbacks. He missed most of the 2023 season following Tommy John surgery and later dealt with an oblique strain in 2024 that sidelined him for nearly two months.
Domínguez has also lost ground in playing time to veterans Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger this season. Grisham, enjoying a resurgent year with 21 home runs, has taken a share of center and left field innings that once looked reserved for Domínguez. Bellinger, despite facing his own contract questions for 2026, has remained a trusted option for manager Aaron Boone in key spots, further limiting Domínguez’s opportunities. The shifting usage reflects how quickly the Yankees’ depth chart has pushed Domínguez from everyday starter to part of a rotation of outfielders.
Spencer Jones emergence creates roster flexibility
The rise of Spencer Jones has given the Yankees more options in considering Domínguez’s future. Ranked as the team’s second-best prospect and No. 93 overall by MLB Pipeline, Jones has crushed 31 combined home runs between Double-A and Triple-A this year.
Yankees executives opted to keep Jones off limits during the 2025 trade deadline, showing they see him as a vital piece. The left-handed outfielder is regarded as a stronger defender than Domínguez while offering comparable power upside.
“I continue to be super excited about Jasson’s future,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said earlier this year. “I’m in that camp of people that think he’s going to be a great big league player.”
Trade market and organizational needs
Teams such as the Chicago Cubs have been linked to possible Domínguez trade discussions. ESPN reported one MLB executive suggested a deal could be centered around Jameson Taillon or reliever Mark Leiter Jr. The Kansas City Royals have also surfaced in speculation, with The Athletic’s Jim Bowden proposing a package involving All-Star infielder Maikel Garcia.
Spencer Jones’s surge looms in minors
Jones has validated the hype with standout numbers in 2025. At 6-foot-7, the lefty hitter has belted 31 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A. He added a three-homer game for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in July. His overall slash line sits at .314/.411/.706 with 57 RBIs and 16 steals.
Defensively, he has been flawless in 401 innings in center field, committing no errors. Scouts describe him as “left-handed thunder,” and his glove is already rated above Domínguez’s.
“I see it and I hear about it, but I don’t take any of it seriously,” Jones said of hearing his name in trade rumors.
With his surge, Jones is viewed as nearly ready for the majors. Should the Yankees part with Domínguez, Jones would be in line to inherit a key outfield role.
Spencer Jones vs. Jasson Domínguez: Who is better?
The debate between Domínguez and Jones has become central in Yankees circles. Domínguez has MLB experience, 9 home runs, and 19 steals this year, along with elite exit velocity tools. Jones, though untested in the majors, has crushed minor-league pitching with a .314 average and 57 RBIs.
Domínguez, a switch-hitter, has proven himself at the major-league level despite defensive problems. His scouting grades mark him as a true five-tool player, with speed, raw power, and consistent contact. Still, his minus-9 Outs Above Average and poor defensive percentile have fueled the current trade rumors.
Jones, at 24, brings a different look. His 70-grade raw power is elite, but his contact rate lags. His strikeout percentage of 31.7 in 2025, though an improvement from 36.8 last year, remains a hurdle for MLB readiness. At Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, however, his bat has been explosive, posting a 1.403 OPS in his first 19 games after promotion.
Triple-A manager Shelley Duncan praised his potential, saying, “I’ve never seen anything like it before. I’ve never seen a player this talented before in my life.”
Jones’s age also adds roster urgency. He must be protected on the 40-man roster by November 2025 to avoid Rule 5 Draft exposure, while Domínguez already has service time in the majors.
Defensively, Jones has the clear advantage. He has yet to commit an error in 84 chances, while Domínguez has cost the Yankees defensively with negative metrics. Heyman summarized the comparison by saying Domínguez “posts elite exit velocities, runs well, and has legitimate five-tool upside” if he can refine his glove.
Both players offer promise, but the organization appears ready to spotlight Jones while weighing Domínguez’s trade value.
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