Jasson Domínguez has been a buzzword among Yankees fans for years. Ever since the Yankees signed him for a record $5.1 million back in 2019, his name has been synonymous with the team's future. He kicked off his big league career with a bang, hitting a home run in his first at-bat, making him the youngest Yankee to do so.
However, the excitement hasn't quite translated into sustained success on the field. Last season, Domínguez played a career-high 123 games but posted a modest .257 batting average and didn't make much of an impact in the postseason.
Despite the Yankees' investment in him, General Manager Brian Cashman recently stirred the pot by suggesting that Domínguez might benefit from starting the 2026 season in the minors. This has sparked some debate among fans and raised questions about Domínguez's future with the team. If the Yankees are indeed considering moving on, the Cleveland Guardians should be ready to make a move.
Domínguez could be exactly what the Guardians need in their outfield. As a switch-hitter with the ability to crush pitches left in the zone, he fits the profile of a player who can make an immediate impact. Typically, a 23-year-old with his skills would be untouchable, but Cashman's comments have changed the landscape, potentially lowering the Yankees' leverage in trade talks.
With the Yankees' outfield featuring Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger, Domínguez might find himself short on opportunities. In contrast, he would be a standout addition to the Guardians' lineup, complementing players like Steven Kwan.
Sure, Domínguez has areas to improve. His struggles against left-handed pitching and a -9 Outs Above Average last season are notable. But at just 23, he’s younger than most on Cleveland's roster and has already gained valuable MLB experience with 149 games played, despite missing most of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery.
Acquiring Domínguez would likely require a significant trade package, but with Cashman's recent openness, the time might be right for the Guardians to seize the opportunity.