The Yankees have a strong recent track record when it comes to developing young talent, and Jasson Dominguez could be the next name to break out. Last season, Luis Gil won AL Rookie of the Year, with catcher Austin Wells finishing third in the voting. If Dominguez manages to follow in their footsteps, it would mark another major win for the Yankees’ farm system.
Heating Up at the Right Time for the Yankees
After a slow start to spring training, Dominguez has been steadily finding his rhythm. Through 13 games and 41 plate appearances, he’s slashing .256/.293/.462 with two homers, seven RBIs, and a pair of stolen bases. While his on-base percentage started low, it has been climbing as he gets more comfortable.
Saturday’s tie against the Tampa Bay Rays was another step in the right direction. Dominguez recorded two hits, two RBIs, and a run, flashing his developing power and growing confidence at the plate. The more reps he gets against major league pitching, the more natural he looks in the batter’s box.
Manager Aaron Boone isn’t ready to hand him the starting left field job just yet, but all signs point toward Dominguez locking it down.
Finding His Way in Left Field
While Dominguez has always been seen as a five-tool player, his biggest challenge has been adjusting to left field. He developed as a centerfielder, so shifting to a corner spot requires different reads, routes, and angles. The good news is that he’s making noticeable progress.
His speed has always been a major weapon, and now he’s using it to cover ground in left, making tough plays look routine. His direct routes and improved tracking ability are earning praise from Boone, who has taken note of his strides defensively.
“I think his routes have been good lately, real direct routes,” Boone said. “When he does that, you see the speed and he’s able to really eat up ground that most guys that play out there don’t.”
Big Expectations for 2025
At just 22 years old, Dominguez is still ahead of schedule when it comes to reaching the big leagues. The Yankees have been patient with his development, and now he’s putting all the pieces together.
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If he continues trending upward, there’s no reason to believe he won’t be a Rookie of the Year candidate by season’s end. His raw power, ability to get on base, and growing confidence in the outfield make him one of the most exciting young players to watch in 2025.
“I don’t need reminding,” Boone said with a smile, via the New York Post. “He’s got that capability [of hitting well]. I think he’s got the ability to control the strike zone, hit with power to all places.”
Dominguez, for his part, feels it all coming together.
“Every game, every at-bat,” he said, “I start to feel more comfortable.”