Jasson Domínguez’s path to becoming the Yankees’ next star is hitting an unexpected snag – and it’s happening in left field.
The 22-year-old top prospect, who’s played center field for most of his minor league career, can’t seem to get comfortable after shifting to left. His struggles continued Thursday when a hard-hit Edmundo Sosa fly ball glanced off his glove near the fence during spring training.
Manager Aaron Boone isn’t panicking yet.
“That’s about as tough a play as you’re going to have,” Boone said after the game. “I guess it’s always a story every one that JD has, but that one’s top-spinning over your head, bullet, tough play.”
But this isn’t an isolated incident. Domínguez misplayed multiple balls during his brief left field stint in the majors last season, and these defensive issues could complicate the Yankees’ plans to give him a “full runway” in 2025.
Boone acknowledged the work ahead: “We’ll look at it. We still got work to do, obviously, but that’s about as tough of a chance as you’re going to have.”
The Yankees remain high on Domínguez’s potential. In his limited big-league experience (just 26 games), he’s already flashed the power that made him such a coveted prospect, launching six home runs. But his .207 batting average and defensive questions create some uncertainty.
There’s no shortcut to mastering a new outfield position. It’s about repetition and building confidence – two things Domínguez needs to accelerate if he wants to lock down the everyday left field job.
What makes this situation tricky is that the Yankees are competing for a championship now. They can afford some growing pains, but not if defensive miscues start costing them games. The clock is ticking for Domínguez to look more comfortable out there.
