Yankees Prospect Rankings, Jasson Dominguez’s Future, and a First Base Decision Looming
Prospect season is here, and with it comes a fresh look at the Yankees’ farm system-and there’s plenty to unpack. Leading the charge is shortstop George Lombard Jr., who sits atop the organization’s top 30 prospects list.
Lombard is drawing attention not just for his polish, but for his ceiling-there’s real belief he could develop into a four-WAR player at his peak, maybe more if everything clicks. That’s the kind of upside that turns heads in front offices and gets fans dreaming about the future.
Right behind him is Dax Kilby, a rising name who’s earned the No. 2 spot. Kilby’s mix of tools and projection makes him a fascinating watch this season.
Rounding out the top five are Elmer Rodriguez, Carlos Lagrange, and Ben Hess-names that might not be household yet, but could be soon if their trajectories hold. This isn’t the deepest Yankees farm we’ve seen in recent years, but there are still some intriguing talents tucked away, waiting for their shot.
Jasson Dominguez: From Centerpiece to Roster Crunch Casualty?
Then there’s Jasson Dominguez-a name that once lit up the Yankees’ prospect lists like a marquee. But now, just a couple years removed from his debut buzz, Dominguez appears headed back to Triple-A.
And this time, it’s not about service time manipulation or injury rehab. It’s about fit.
The Yankees’ outfield is crowded, and not in a way that leaves much wiggle room. Cody Bellinger is locked in long-term.
Trent Grisham is sticking around after accepting the qualifying offer. And Giancarlo Stanton still holds down the DH spot.
That leaves little space for Dominguez to get consistent at-bats, especially after a 2025 season that saw him struggle from the right side of the plate. The talent is still there-but the opportunity isn’t.
This isn’t a knock on Dominguez. The Yankees still view him as a valuable piece.
But when you’re building a roster to win right now, development sometimes takes a backseat to dependability. And that’s why the club appears to be leaning toward letting him get everyday reps in Scranton rather than letting him ride the bench in the Bronx.
It’s a tough pill, but probably the right call for his long-term growth.
There’s also been chatter about the Yankees possibly adding a right-handed bat off the bench-someone who can handle lefties and give Boone matchup flexibility late in games. That would further squeeze Dominguez’s path to the big-league roster, especially if the team wants to avoid using him in a limited role that doesn’t serve his development.
Paul Goldschmidt or Amed Rosario? Yankees Weigh First Base Options
Meanwhile, there’s another roster battle brewing-this one at first base. The Yankees are keeping the door open for a potential reunion with Paul Goldschmidt, who’s coming off a strong season against left-handed pitching.
His bat would be a clear asset, especially in a pinch-hitting role or as a platoon option. But there’s a catch: money.
With payroll already north of $320 million, the Yankees are taking a wait-and-see approach. They want to evaluate whether Amed Rosario-a versatile infielder with athleticism to spare-can handle first base.
If he can, it gives Aaron Boone far more flexibility off the bench. Rosario’s ability to move around the diamond makes him a valuable chess piece, especially late in games.
And if he can hold his own defensively at first, the Yankees might pass on Goldschmidt and save a few million in the process.
Spring training will be the proving ground. If Rosario looks out of place, the Yankees can pivot quickly to Goldschmidt, who’s still on the market. But if Rosario shows he can handle the role, the team gets to keep a more dynamic, cost-effective bench.
What It All Means
All of these decisions-Dominguez’s likely demotion, Rosario’s first base trial, the Goldschmidt question-are connected by one theme: the Yankees are all-in on 2026. This is a roster built to contend, and in that kind of environment, every roster spot matters.
Prospects with upside like Dominguez may have to wait their turn. Veterans who can contribute now get the benefit of the doubt.
And utility players who can do a little bit of everything might just win out over one-dimensional sluggers.
For fans hoping to see the next wave of Yankees stars break through, patience will be key. The talent is there. But in a win-now world, opportunity comes when the timing is just right-not when the depth chart says otherwise.