Is there anything New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Domínguez can do to make the opening day roster?
Once the club’s slam-dunk No. 1 prospect, Domínguez had an open lane to establish himself as a full-time starter early last year. But once Trent Grisham’s surprise breakout wound up winning him the center field job, the dominoes fell so that Domínguez was the team’s fourth outfielder down the stretch.
Because Domínguez is still just 23 years old, it doesn’t make sense to turn him into a full-time bench player, especially when the Yankees’ ideal fourth outfielder with this current roster would bat right-handed. Domínguez is a switch-hitter, but has thus far provided much more impact from the left side in the majors.
On Monday, Yankees beat reporter Bryan Hoch of MLB.com read the tea leaves and projected that Domínguez would be optioned to Triple-A to begin the regular season, barring an unforeseen injury to a member of the club’s star-studded lineup.
“(Cody) Bellinger re-signed in January, and Grisham accepted a qualifying offer in November, solidifying the outfield alignment,” Hoch wrote. “Jasson Domínguez may be ticketed for Triple-A to begin the season.”
In 123 games last season, Domínguez batted .257 with 10 home runs and a .719 OPS. The offense went through highs and lows, but from the Yankees’ perspective, his defense in left field had to be by far the biggest concern. Domínguez posted negative-5 defensive runs saved and negative-9 outs above average.
The prospect of a trade still exists as well, as the Yankees know Domínguez’s perceived value will take a hit if he isn’t getting major league reps. However, they also still believe in him to the point where they wouldn’t force a trade just to clear up a logjam.