Jasson Dominguez Faces Uphill Battle for Yankees Roster Spot, but He’s Not Backing Down
Jasson Dominguez isn’t blind to the buzz surrounding his spot - or lack thereof - in the Yankees’ 2026 plans. The 23-year-old outfielder, once touted as a future cornerstone in the Bronx, now finds himself in a crowded outfield picture with no clear path to Opening Day playing time. But if you think he’s folding under the pressure, think again.
“Obviously, I hear all of that, but I try not to focus on that,” Dominguez told reporters Sunday at spring training. “I try not to focus on that, because there is a Spring Training coming and this is baseball. A lot of things can happen.”
That’s the mindset of a player who knows the odds but hasn’t lost his edge. Dominguez enters camp as the odd man out, and not because of lack of talent.
The Yankees reloaded this offseason, bringing back Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham to flank Aaron Judge in the outfield. That trio locks up the starting spots, while Giancarlo Stanton is locked in at DH and Ben Rice is penciled in at first base.
Austin Wells is expected to handle catching duties, and even Paul Goldschmidt is in the mix for DH or first base reps off the bench.
That leaves Dominguez - once the most hyped prospect in the Yankees’ system - looking at a potential return to Triple-A to start the year. And general manager Brian Cashman hasn’t shied away from saying that’s a real possibility.
It’s a tough pill for any young player to swallow, especially one who got a taste of regular playing time in the first half of last season. But Dominguez is approaching the situation with maturity and a team-first mentality.
“They’ve got to do what’s best for the team,” he said. “Whatever decision they make, I’ll be ready for.”
That’s not just lip service. Dominguez knows he’s still got upside, and so do the Yankees.
But this is a team built to win now, and the roster reflects that urgency. Veterans with postseason experience are going to get the first look.
For Dominguez to break through, he’ll need to show something special this spring - the kind of performance that forces the Yankees to rethink their plans.
And in baseball, as Dominguez wisely pointed out, a lot can happen. Injuries, slumps, or even a red-hot spring could shift the equation.
He may not have a guaranteed spot, but he’s got a chance. And for a player with his raw tools and ceiling, that’s all it might take.
So while the path to the Bronx is steeper than it once looked, don’t count Jasson Dominguez out just yet. He’s got the right mindset, the talent, and a spring training stage to remind everyone why he was once considered the future of the franchise.