DALLAS — The Yankees will likely replace one superstar right fielder with another.
That will likely be Aaron Judge, who regularly patrols right field in the Bronx, along with Queens' Juan Soto.
Of the 117 games Judge played defensively last season, 105 were at center field, but that slowed down in his age-32 season, with above-average outs and 40 eligible center fielders. Ranked 39th among people.
There is a strong possibility that Judge will move on in his age 33 season.
“That makes sense,” GM Brian Cashman said during Monday's winter meetings. “We're not afraid to put him out at center like we have in the past, but I think it makes sense to put him on the right side because it opens up a lane for Jason. ”
After an injury-plagued 2024, Jason Dominguez may be given a chance to prove himself.
The top prospect struggled in his few major league appearances last season with both his bat and glove, but he's still just 21 years old.
“We clearly believe [Dominguez] He’s healthy, so the ceiling is high,” Cashman said. “But I'm not going to appoint him as a center fielder.”
There are no center fielders on the free agent market who can guarantee daily playing time.
A higher-level center fielder is likely to be found on the trade market, with the Cubs' Cody Bellinger a potential target.
What's becoming clear is that the days of the Yankees playing a 6-foot-7 center fielder every day are probably over.
“The great thing about Judge is that he gives us that flexibility, not just his ability, but his willingness to do whatever it takes for us and for our team,” coach Aaron Boone said. Ta.
Cashman said infield prospect Caleb Durbin, who is coming off strong seasons with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and the Arizona Fall League, is “probably the frontrunner” to be the starting infield pitcher. He said that.
Durbin, who had an .867 OPS and 29 stolen bases in 82 games with SWB in 375 at-bats, will move to third base if he takes the spot vacated by Gleyber Torres or if Jazz Chisholm Jr. moves back to second base. There is a possibility.
Cashman also mentioned Oswaldo Peraza and Jorvit Vivas as possible internal candidates.
It's also possible that they'll get a more established second or third baseman.
Boone, who is currently a lame duck coach in 2025, said extension talks have not yet taken place.
