Jasson Dominguez knows exactly what people are saying about his role with the Yankees this season.
The thing is, he’s not buying into the narrative.
The 23-year-old outfielder doesn’t have an obvious path to playing time when the 2025 season begins, and he’s well aware of that reality. But when he spoke with reporters at spring training this weekend, Dominguez made it clear he’s not conceding anything.
“Obviously, I hear all of that, but I try not to focus on that,” Dominguez said Sunday. “I try not to focus on that, because there is a Spring Training coming and this is baseball. A lot of things can happen.”
He’s got a point there.
Right now, though, the math doesn’t work in his favor. The Yankees brought back Cody Bellinger and kept Trent Grisham this offseason. They’ll join Aaron Judge in what looks like the starting outfield.
Giancarlo Stanton figures to handle most of the DH duties, with Ben Rice at first base and Austin Wells behind the plate. Paul Goldschmidt is on the bench and will get his share of at-bats as a designated hitter or first baseman.
That’s where things get tricky for Dominguez.
GM Brian Cashman recently acknowledged that starting the season in Triple-A is a real possibility for the former top prospect. It’s not what anyone wants to hear, but it’s the reality of having this much talent on the roster.
Dominguez played regularly during the first half of last season but saw his playing time fade as the year went on. The Yankees clearly have questions about where he fits, especially with their win-now mentality.
“They’ve got to do what’s best for the team. Whatever decision they make, I’ll be ready for.”
That’s the right attitude from someone who was once considered one of baseball’s most promising prospects. Dominguez still has upside – he’s young and talented – but he’s running into the reality of a crowded roster.
The Yankees aren’t in development mode right now. They’ve got experienced players they trust in front of him, and they’re trying to get back to the World Series after falling short last October.
What makes this situation interesting is that spring training really could change everything. Injuries happen. Players struggle. Someone could force the Yankees’ hand with a strong showing.
That’s exactly what Dominguez is counting on. He’ll need to make a strong impression over the next few weeks to give himself any shot at sticking around when the season begins.
From where he’s sitting, there’s still time to change the narrative. The question is whether he can do enough to convince the Yankees they need him in the Bronx rather than Scranton.
