When it comes to the New York Yankees and their player development, there's a story that keeps repeating itself. While they've had standout successes like Aaron Judge and Brett Gardner, the days of building a dynasty with homegrown talent, like the legendary Core Five, seem like a distant memory.
Fans often compare Hal Steinbrenner to his father, George, but it's worth noting that the Yankees' golden era blossomed during George's absence. As the championships piled up, the farm system's role shifted from nurturing future stars to fueling trades for immediate roster needs.
Two decades ago, Brian Cashman took the reins from George with a clear mission: rejuvenate the farm system. Back in 2007, Cashman emphasized, "We have three years to try to deliver a championship and rebuild the system." Fast forward to 2009, and the Yankees clinched another World Series, but it was largely thanks to high-profile acquisitions like CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and AJ Burnett.
Despite the occasional success, the Yankees' prospect hype machine never slowed. Names like Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Ian Kennedy were once touted as future stars, and hitters like Eric Duncan and Jose Tabata were expected to shine. The narrative continued with prospects like the late Jesus Montero, who was hailed for his hitting prowess.
Enter Jasson Dominguez, a name that’s been buzzing around the Bronx. As of 2026, Dominguez finds himself at a critical juncture. Some argue he should have been traded, others want him to stick with the big league team, even in a limited role, while another group believes he should develop further in Scranton.
On a recent episode of the Pinstripe Post, Joel Sherman weighed in on Dominguez's situation. Sherman suggested that the Yankees' hype machine, dubbing Dominguez "The Martian," set unrealistic expectations.
"Other teams never believed that about Jasson Dominguez. This was New York hype," Sherman remarked.
Sherman believes Dominguez could still become a valuable player with more time in Triple-A, but the lofty expectations tied to his nickname might not be in the cards.
The takeaway here is clear: Dominguez is a talented 23-year-old who deserves a fair shot in spring training. It's too soon to write him off, but it's also time to manage expectations. As he continues to develop, the Yankees-and their fans-might need to adjust their outlook accordingly.