The Yankees face a roster puzzle no one saw coming this spring. Injuries have left holes across the lineup and rotation that need filling fast.
Giancarlo Stanton is sidelined at DH. D.J. LeMahieu won’t be ready to man third base on Opening Day. But the biggest blow? Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil both went down during camp, with Cole’s Tommy John surgery knocking the reigning AL Cy Young winner out for the entire season.
Max Fried is a terrific addition to the rotation, but he can’t replace Cole’s impact alone. That’s why some are wondering if the Yankees might swing a major trade to shore up their suddenly thin pitching staff.
One writer believes the solution involves trading the team’s top prospect.
FanSided’s Rucker Haringery recently suggested the Yankees should consider dealing Jasson Domínguez—their projected starting left fielder—to land a frontline starter. His proposed target? Michael King, the former Yankee who was sent to San Diego in the Juan Soto trade.
“If the Yankees aren’t willing to prioritize Dominguez over (center fielder Cody) Bellinger now it’s a sign they aren’t convinced he can be a superstar. That doubt should push Cashman to move him before Opening Day,” Haringery wrote.
“Bringing Michael King back to the Bronx is one interesting possibility.”
Domínguez, 22, has been the Yankees’ crown jewel prospect for years. His brief 2023 debut turned heads when he smashed four homers in just eight games. But his defensive transition to left field hasn’t been smooth, raising questions about his immediate impact potential.
King, meanwhile, is entering his walk year on a $7.5 million salary. He transformed into a legitimate ace last season with a 2.95 ERA and 201 strikeouts across 173 2/3 innings—impressive numbers for someone in their first full season as a starter.
It’s an intriguing scenario, but don’t expect this deal anytime soon. Both general managers have signaled they’re standing pat with their current rosters heading into the season. That said, if the Padres struggle, the Yankees still need pitching help, and Domínguez looks expendable come July, this idea might resurface at the trade deadline.
