Looking at the New York Yankees’ offseason transactions so far, progress has been quite evident. General Manager Brian Cashman and the front office took the initiative to fill roster cavities. Their most important improvements were in the outfield.
Unveiling the Distinctive Talents of the Yankees’ Outfield
Multiple fragments were made in the Yankees outfield when 2024 ended. Post World Series was the start of a free agent frenzy that led to the mass audience of certain players. Juan Soto was obviously the talk of the market.
This essentially made it a level playing field for all potential investors, causing anxiety for the Yankees. While this was going on, the Yankees also used this time for offloading players they did not see fit for 2025.
Alex Verdugo was one of those players. Verdugo was not anything extravagant in his craft, but he played a game that fit the criteria of what the Yankees expected from him. He met some standards in offense and in the outfield.
The Yankees lost in their quest to retain their all-star slugger, as Soto took a job across the city in Queens with the Mets. Verdugo took to free agency, creating two significant vacancies in the outfield.
The Return of Top Prospect in the Outfield is Pertinent to Team and Player
The departure of two outfield options from the Yankees was not all that terrifying, as the club understood they had a big piece returning from injury. Much anticipated top prospect Jasson Dominguez is expected to return to full health for the 2025 season.
Dominguez is expected to be the answer to most of the Yankees’ needs in the future. He attains tools and abilities projected to display in elite level numbers. We would have seen this sooner than later if injury did not protrude.
Combined Projections Can Produce a Competitive Offensive Outfield
The Bronx Bombers most crucial addition from an offensive standpoint is Cody Bellinger. Bellinger will be in the outfield, and fills Juan Soto’s former spot. The left-handed hitting outfielder joins Dominguez and Aaron Judge to make up the starting outfield.
Two of these players need to be able to make up the numbers that the Yankees lost in Soto. 166 hits, 128 runs, 41 home runs, and 109 RBIs are the numbers that the club will miss out on.
Realistically, this will be tough to match but the projections based off of ability and full health can make the outfield and the lineup competitive.
Judge will naturally hold his own, as he’s known for. The outfield slugger was a natural statistical leader in various categories around the league last year. Some of the important ones include home runs at 58, 144 RBIs, 133 walks, .485 on-base percentage, and 392 total bases.
Judge is projected to be in the range of a .400-plus on-base percentage in 2025, along with between 45-50 home runs, and 100-plus RBIs. As long as Judge stays healthy, his streaks of production will continue.
Bellinger hit 18 home runs in 2024 with 78 RBIs, 137 hits, and a .325 on-base percentage. In 2025 he’s expected to reach the 20 home run mark, 75-80 RBIs, 128 hits, and a .320 on-base percentage.
Dominguez is a tough one to project, as his success depends on health and playing time. At full health, Dominguez can easily hit between 20-25 home runs, 75-plus RBIs, 120-plus hits, .300-plus on-base percentage and 200-plus total bases.
Jasson Domínguez clocks his first @Yankees homer of 2024 to straightaway center!
105.7 mph EV | 414 ft for the club’s No. 1 prospect. pic.twitter.com/5Pc33cU6iT
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 18, 2024
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Improved Running Game
The running game is one of the most neglected aspects in Major League Baseball. The concept of moving bases by force has been fading throughout the years. The Yankees have struggled in stolen bases and efforts on the pads.
Last season the team totaled 88 stolen bags. The starting outfield were responsible for 19 of those. The new look outfield in 2025 will bring more speed, aggressiveness, and chance on the bases.
When he’s healthy and on his game, Bellinger will take initiative and utilize his smart base running tactics. He has stealing tendencies and isn’t afraid to run.
In 2023, Bellinger’s speed and abilities showed well in not only the outfield, but he recorded 20 stolen bases as well. He’s stolen a career 91 bases in eight seasons. His on-base percentage is usually over .300 and he’s usually coming around to score 70-plus times per season.
Dominguez also offers a hint of aggressiveness. His athleticism is paramount to his player profile. We’ve seen cumulative numbers that show he’s stealth on the base pads (in the minor leagues).
In 2022, Dominguez recorded a total of 37 stolen bases. This was followed by 40 in 2023, and 16 in 2024.
The running game may be as equal to the importance of the long ball. This attribute will change the game for Yankees baseball, adding a tool that wasn’t well displayed.
Main Photo Credits: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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