Yankees Bring Back Cody Bellinger - But That Doesn’t Mean Jasson Dominguez Is on the Trade Block
The Yankees made a splash by reuniting with Cody Bellinger on a five-year, $162.5 million deal - a move that adds another big bat and a versatile glove to the Bronx. But while some assumed this signing spelled the end of Jasson Dominguez’s time in pinstripes, that’s far from a certainty.
Let’s unpack what this move really means for the Yankees’ outfield depth chart and, more importantly, what it doesn’t mean.
Bellinger’s Return Doesn’t Automatically Push Dominguez Out
The idea that Bellinger’s arrival would force Dominguez out the door has been floating around for a while, but the reality is more nuanced. The Yankees are building out a roster that can absorb injuries, withstand slumps, and survive the grind of a 162-game season. That doesn’t mean they’re eager to part with one of their most hyped young players.
Dominguez - nicknamed “The Martian” for his out-of-this-world potential - has been a household name in Yankees prospect circles since he signed as a 16-year-old back in 2019. But prospect fatigue is real.
After years of hype, two short stints in the majors, and a 2025 season that was solid but not spectacular, it’s easy to forget just how young he still is. He turns 23 in February.
There’s plenty of time for him to find his footing.
And let’s not forget: he’s a natural center fielder. While his play in left field has drawn criticism, center has always been his more comfortable spot.
With Trent Grisham only under contract for one season - and with questions about whether he can sustain his 2025 performance - Dominguez could be next in line to take over in center. Bellinger can play there too, but as he gets older, his long-term fit is more likely in a corner outfield spot or even at first base.
The Freddy Peralta Trade Buzz - and Why Dominguez Probably Isn’t Involved
The Yankees have reportedly shown interest in Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, but the asking price is steep. Milwaukee has been linked to top Mets prospects like Jonah Tong, Brandon Sproat, and Jett Williams - a package that would be tough for the Yankees to match without gutting their farm system.
Dominguez would certainly be a headliner in any major deal, but there’s little indication the Yankees are eager to include him in that kind of trade. If anything, the recent acquisition of Ryan Weathers from the Marlins - a move that cost the Yankees a decent price - suggests they may view him as the final piece for their pitching staff heading into the season.
Spencer Jones: A Tempting Trade Chip, But Not a Replacement
If the Yankees do decide to deal from their outfield depth, Spencer Jones might be the more likely candidate. He’s nearly two years older than Dominguez and still hasn’t played a full season at Triple-A. The tools are loud - Jones has massive power and had a scorching stretch last summer - but the strikeout issues are real, and he faded down the stretch.
Despite the buzz, Jones hasn’t overtaken Dominguez in the organizational pecking order. If the Yankees are going to move a young outfielder for pitching help, Jones is the more likely piece to go.
Dominguez’s Rookie Year: A Closer Look
Dominguez’s 2025 campaign was, in context, fairly typical for a rookie - especially one coming off Tommy John surgery. After flashing superstar potential in a brief 2023 debut and struggling through a limited 2024, the 2025 season was about finding rhythm and getting reps. It wasn’t the breakout some fans hoped for, but it also wasn’t a step back.
The Yankees have invested years in developing Dominguez, and cutting bait now would be a premature move - especially when he’s just starting to get his legs back under him.
The Bottom Line
Cody Bellinger’s return gives the Yankees flexibility and firepower, but it doesn’t force a decision on Jasson Dominguez. If anything, it buys them time. With Grisham on a one-year deal and Bellinger likely to shift off center field in the coming seasons, Dominguez remains a key part of the Yankees’ future plans.
He may not be the can't-miss phenom he was billed as at 16, but he’s still a 22-year-old with elite tools, big-league experience, and a clear path to playing time. For now, Dominguez stays - and the Yankees are better off for it.