Jason Dominguez’s outings this postseason highlighted the Yankees’ view of their young outfielder.
For the second October in a row, Dominguez spent most of the time on the bench during crucial moments. However, unlike in the 2024 World Series, the 22-year-old did manage to get some at-bats during the playoffs.
One notable hit was a powerful double driven from the left side, clocking in at an impressive 112 mph.
Still, that performance came after a quiet showing in the Wild Card Series and ALDS, where he hardly made an impact. Following September, when he had merely 20 at-bats, he became somewhat of an afterthought.
The Yankees regard Dominguez as a key player for their future, remaining the youngest on their 40-man roster, but it’s clear he needs to meet expectations moving forward.
As the offseason approaches, the team seems uncertain about whether those expectations will be fulfilled.
“I expect him to play a significant role,” Aaron Boone mentioned recently. “But we need to see how things shake out in winter and what the roster looks like.”
Boone also acknowledged that the outfield situation for the Yankees isn’t stable. Trent Grisham is set to become a free agent after establishing himself in center field, while Cody Bellinger may opt out of his contract following a strong season in New York.
Boone anticipates that Dominguez will participate in winter ball, likely as a left fielder. However, if the team doesn’t re-sign Bellinger or Grisham, putting Dominguez in left field regularly might be a challenge, given his struggles at that position.
He mainly played center field in the minors, but Boone pointed out that Dominguez didn’t get to play much in the minor leagues due to injuries and the shortened 2020 season caused by the pandemic.
During the previous season, Dominguez had the worst defensive ERA among 19 outfielders who played over 790 innings in left field, with a minus-7, according to FanGraphs. And his minus-10 outs were the least favorable of 34 outfielders, as noted by Baseball Savant.
“Left field definitely needs improvement. I think he’s made progress there,” Boone commented.
Scouts, however, have been critical of his defensive growth.
“No player feels comfortable there, and Yankee Stadium isn’t forgiving for those who don’t,” remarked an AL scout.
It’s ambiguous where Dominguez might fit, especially with questions surrounding center field as well. Nevertheless, Boone expressed confidence in Dominguez’s arm strength, speed, and athleticism, believing this investment in development will yield results.
One ongoing concern is that while Dominguez has shown promise at bat from the left side, he has struggled from the right. In 104 right-handed at-bats, he had an OPS of just .569, with a single home run and 34 strikeouts.
“He’s shown flashes of brilliance. His power isn’t quite there yet, but he can hit well from both sides… He can still become a solid hitter and a good fielder. The impact he can make on the basepaths is clear. This season has given us hope,” Boone stated.
But until that potential translates into consistent performance, Dominguez may find it difficult to secure a regular spot on the team.
