Fear or saftey? Yankees’ latest move signals concern over star prospect Dominguez

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The New York Yankees’ recent handling of Jasson Dominguez raises more concerns than confidence about the rookie outfielder once heralded as their next superstar. While manager Aaron Boone publicly maintains an optimistic tone regarding the 22-year-old’s development in left field, the organization’s recent actions tell a different story.

Since his return from Tommy John surgery, Dominguez has yet to complete a full game in left field. The pattern has become increasingly noticeable: he was removed for defensive replacements on Thursday and Sunday, while serving exclusively as a designated hitter on Saturday. These decisions highlight what appears to be a calculated approach to managing not just Domínguez’s physical development, but his psychological well-being as well.

During Sunday’s broadcast, YES Network’s Michael Kay offered insight into what might be motivating the Yankees’ cautious approach.

“There came a point with Gary Sanchez where all anyone talked about was the passed balls,” Kay explained on air. “And once it became the thing everyone watched for, it got into his head. It affected everything—including his bat.”

This reference to Sanchez, another highly-touted Yankees prospect whose struggles behind the plate eventually overshadowed his offensive prowess, suggests the organization is determined to avoid repeating past mistakes with their current blue-chip talent.

Developmental challenges dim Dominguez’s hype

Evidence of Dominguez’s defensive struggles surfaced earlier in Sunday’s game when he misplayed a Jackson Chourio hit, allowing the ball to drop in front of him. According to Statcast data, the batted ball had a 95 percent catch probability – the kind of play major league outfielders are expected to make routinely.

The defensive miscue follows a pattern that began during Dominguez’s initial Yankees call-up last season, when he visibly struggled to adjust to left field. These difficulties continued into spring training this year, with observers noting a particularly rough stretch early on when the young outfielder appeared disoriented in his positioning and route-running.

Domínguez, nicknamed “The Martian” for his otherworldly athletic abilities, arrived in the Yankees system amid extraordinary fanfare. His brief but electrifying major league debut in 2023 – during which he slashed .258/.303/.677 with four home runs in just eight games – seemed to validate the hype before Tommy John surgery halted his momentum.

Yankees strategy hints at doubts

The Yankees’ current approach appears to be twofold: continue providing Dominguez with developmental opportunities while simultaneously protecting him from the spotlight’s harshest glare.

“On Sunday, the priority was to continue to let him develop and exit the game without a setback,” noted one team insider who requested anonymity to speak freely about organizational strategy. This protective stance aligns with Kay’s on-air observation that the Yankees want Domínguez to navigate the current homestand “cleanly,” particularly in the field, avoiding any defensive mistakes that could potentially snowball.

The Yankees‘ broader roster construction further supports this theory of organizational concern. The Yankees’ offseason acquisitions created a crowded outfield picture, potentially limiting Dominguez’s playing time but also reducing the pressure on him to perform immediately.

“What we’re seeing is an organization that’s learned from past experiences with highly-touted prospects,” explained former MLB general manager Jim Duquette in a recent radio interview. “They’re trying to build Domínguez’s confidence methodically rather than throwing him into situations where he might fail spectacularly.”

A pivotal moment for both Yankees, Dominguez

For Domí=inguez, the 2025 season represents a critical juncture in his development. While his raw talent remains undeniable, his ability to refine his skills – particularly his defensive instincts – will likely determine whether he can fulfill his enormous potential.

“I thought the toughest part would be getting back at the plate,” commented one scout who observed Dominguez during spring training. “But what’s surprising is how much work he needs in the field. His reads and instincts aren’t matching the tools yet.”

The scrutiny on Dominguez intensifies when viewed alongside other rising talents in the Yankees’ system. Outfielder Spencer Jones has made significant strides, climbing prospect rankings to become one of the organization’s most promising young players. Meanwhile, the successful integration of Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza into the major league roster provides both a blueprint and a standard against which Domínguez is inevitably measured.

The Sanchez parallel

The Gary Sanchez comparison mentioned by Kay carries particular weight within the Yankees organization. Sanchez, once considered the franchise’s catcher of the future, saw his defensive struggles become the dominant narrative of his Yankees tenure. Despite significant offensive production, including 105 home runs across his first three full seasons, Sanchez’s difficulties behind the plate eventually undermined his confidence and overall performance.

“When a young player starts thinking about not making mistakes rather than playing instinctively, that’s when you see talent diminished by doubt,” explains sports psychologist Dr. Jonathan Fader, who has worked with several MLB organizations. “The Yankees appear to be trying to prevent Domínguez from falling into that cycle.”

Anxiety lingers amid rumors

As the season progresses, the Yankees face critical decisions regarding their handling of Domínguez. The organization must balance their win-now mandate with the long-term development of a player once considered untouchable in trade discussions.

Reports also suggest the Yankees have at least considered including Dominguez in trade packages for established talent, indicating that the organization’s patience may have limits. However, such a move would represent a dramatic shift from their previous stance on a prospect they invested in heavily both financially and developmentally.

For now, the Yankees continue their balancing act – publicly expressing confidence in Dominguez while their actions reveal a more nuanced approach designed to protect both the player and the team’s competitive interests.

“Jasson Dominguez still has the tools that made scouts drool when he was just a teenager,” noted one American League executive. “But in a win-now environment, potential often takes a backseat to production.”

Whether Dominguez can translate his exceptional physical gifts into consistent major league performance remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the Yankees’ careful handling of their young star reflects both their continued belief in his ceiling and their growing concern about his present capabilities.

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