The Yankees have a vision for their outfield in 2026-and it’s starting to take shape.
Aaron Judge remains the cornerstone in right field, a role he’s locked down for the long haul. In center, Trent Grisham is back in the mix after accepting the qualifying offer, and top prospect Spencer Jones is expected to make his long-awaited major league debut sometime this season. The Yankees are also eyeing a reunion with Cody Bellinger after a strong campaign in the Bronx, but they’ve reportedly lined up Kyle Tucker as a backup plan if Bellinger signs elsewhere.
One name noticeably absent from these plans? Jasson Dominguez.
Once hailed as the Yankees’ crown jewel in the farm system, Dominguez was the talk of the organization heading into 2024-a switch-hitting, five-tool outfielder with superstar upside. And for a brief moment in 2023, he looked every bit the part.
In just eight games, he smashed four home runs in 33 plate appearances, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what he could become. Then came the setback: a torn right UCL that required Tommy John surgery and abruptly ended his debut season.
Fast forward to 2025, and Dominguez’s return was a mixed bag. He opened the year strong, slashing .266/.343/.417 with eight homers and 15 doubles across 309 plate appearances.
It wasn’t jaw-dropping, but it was solid-especially for a young player coming off major surgery. But the second half told a different story.
His production dipped to .236/.300/.318 over his final 120 plate appearances, with just two home runs and three doubles. As his bat cooled, so did his playing time.
Now, with Dominguez set to turn 23 before Opening Day, the Yankees find themselves at a crossroads. There’s no denying his talent or potential, but with a crowded outfield picture and a win-now mindset, New York might not have the luxury to wait.
Slotting Dominguez in as a fourth outfielder doesn’t do much for his development-or his value. But as a trade chip?
That’s a different conversation.
There’s still real intrigue around Dominguez’s upside. His age, tools, and brief flashes of brilliance could make him an appealing target for teams willing to bet on his long-term ceiling. For the Yankees, who have pressing needs elsewhere on the roster, that could be the kind of asset that brings back a meaningful return.
Of course, the calculus changes if Bellinger and Tucker sign elsewhere. That would leave a vacancy in left field, and Dominguez could be the next man up by default. But even then, the organization has to weigh whether he’s the right fit for a team with championship aspirations in 2026.
The Yankees have some big decisions to make this offseason, and Dominguez is right at the heart of them. Whether he’s part of the future in pinstripes or used to bring in the pieces needed to compete now, one thing is clear: the next move will say a lot about how the Yankees view their timeline-and Dominguez’s place in it.