Yankees’ Outfield Dilemma Ahead of Opening Day

As spring approaches—just three and a half months away—Aaron Boone faces a significant challenge with the lineup for Opening Day against the Giants. The left field position is still very much up in the air.

Cody Bellinger presents a familiar option, along with the promising yet somewhat enigmatic Jason Dominguez. Then there’s Spencer Jones, who adds an unexpected layer to the Yankees’ outfield plans. Boone and the team are grappling with their options as they navigate this week’s winter meetings, but don’t expect a definitive answer by the end of Wednesday’s discussions. Boone did, however, share some insight into the configurations surrounding Aaron Judge in right field and Trent Grisham in center.

Cody Bellinger

Interestingly, Boone hasn’t played a role in pursuing Bellinger yet, which is pretty standard when teams are looking to re-sign talent. Having witnessed firsthand the value Bellinger brought to the Yankees last year—both offensively and defensively—Boone would certainly welcome him back. His athleticism, diverse skills, and overall impact were undeniably beneficial.

“Cody contributed immensely in various ways last season—his presence, performance, and versatility make him a desirable player,” Boone remarked. “He deserves his chance in free agency as a young player. It’ll be interesting to see how things unfold.”

However, this isn’t without its complications. The competition for Bellinger appears to be heating up, with teams like the Mets, Blue Jays, and Phillies vying for his talent—possibly even the Dodgers, his previous team. The Yankees may find it challenging to keep Bellinger on a budget.

Jason Dominguez

Dominguez’s journey through his first full season in the majors was rocky. By the season’s end, he found himself confined to the bench, overshadowed by Grisham, who solidified his role as a middle-order hitter. This shift, combined with Bellinger’s defensive struggles, pushed Dominguez further down the depth chart.

The Yankees attempted to give Dominguez a boost by having him play in ten games in the Dominican Winter League to hone his skills, particularly in left field. There’s room for improvement, as Boone made clear.

“We’re seeing progress, but he still has quite a bit of work ahead,” Boone noted. “His speed and arm strength are his standout attributes. If he keeps honing those skills, it could translate into successes on the field.”

The pressing concern, though, revolves around Dominguez’s batting. Although he performed better as a left-handed hitter, this hasn’t quite aligned with the Yankees’ goal to diversify their lineup more. Boone and GM Brian Cashman remain optimistic about his potential as a switch-hitter, but if Bellinger is re-signed, Dominguez might find himself as a trade asset, even if his value isn’t as high now.

Spencer Jones

The fluctuating prospect Spencer Jones has been training hard. He spent the initial part of the offseason at Yankee Stadium and is set to move to Tampa for spring training. His opportunity to compete for a job will depend significantly on whether or not Bellinger returns.

Opinions on Jones are mixed among scouts. As a left-handed hitter, he has shown power potential, but he also struggles with strikeouts. Like Dominguez, he could face a similar fate regarding trade discussions if Bellinger stays.

“He’s in a good mental place right now,” Boone commented. “He’s performed well in the minors and is approaching the big leagues with a more grounded mindset. We’ll see if he’s ready to start the season with us.”