The Yankees’ outfield is stacked. That much is clear when you look at the names: Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and Giancarlo Stanton holding down the DH spot. But even with all that star power, the latest development involving Jasson Dominguez is turning heads - and not in the way many expected.
According to reports, the 23-year-old phenom is likely to start the 2026 season not in the Bronx, but in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. That’s a surprising turn for a player who’s already shown he can contribute at the big-league level.
Let’s break it down.
Dominguez, nicknamed “The Martian” for his otherworldly talent, turned in a solid 2025 campaign. In 381 at-bats, he hit .257 with 10 home runs and swiped 23 bags.
His .719 OPS last season lines up with his career mark of .724 - not eye-popping, but certainly respectable for a young player still finding his footing. He’s also been efficient on the basepaths, converting 29 of 34 stolen base attempts across parts of three seasons.
So why the potential demotion?
The Yankees’ depth gives them options. With Bellinger and Grisham capable of handling center field and Judge locked into right, there’s simply not an obvious everyday role for Dominguez. And while he could’ve slotted in as a fourth outfielder - getting spot starts, pinch-hit opportunities, and late-game reps - the organization appears to be prioritizing consistent playing time and defensive development.
That last part is key. Dominguez may be dynamic at the plate and on the bases, but his glove still needs polish. Giving him regular innings in the outfield - something that won’t happen if he’s riding the bench in the majors - could be the best path for long-term growth.
Of course, this is a delicate situation. Dominguez has already had a taste of the show, and he’s proven he can hang.
Sending him back down now means making sure he stays locked in mentally - that he sees the assignment as a stepping stone, not a setback. That’s as much on the coaching staff and front office as it is on the player himself.
And let’s be real: the Yankees’ outfield depth looks great on paper, but it doesn’t take much for things to shift. One injury in spring training, one underperformance, and Dominguez could be right back in the mix. He’s not far off - he’s just a phone call and a short drive away.
For now, all eyes will be on how the Yankees handle this next chapter in Dominguez’s development. It’s a move that speaks to the luxury of depth, but also the challenge of managing young talent with sky-high potential. Stay tuned - this one’s far from over.