Oct 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez (89) greets first baseman Anthony Rizzo (48) during player introductions before game one against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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Jasson Dominguez’s defensive struggles in left field raise concerns for Yankees

Dominguez’s left-field struggles raise questions for Yankees.

Spring training is where players tune up for the season, but for Jasson Dominguez, it’s becoming a test. The Yankees’ top prospect is expected to make the Opening Day roster, but his defense in left field is raising concerns.

Dominguez, originally a center fielder, has had issues adjusting to left. Last season, he played 105 innings there and posted a .957 fielding percentage—well below the league average of .987. The early signs in spring aren’t promising.

Jasson Dominguez loses a ball in the sun pic.twitter.com/rVG5seXPPX
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) February 23, 2025

A recent clip showed him losing a routine fly ball in the sun, fueling doubts about his ability to handle the position. His defensive instincts have been questioned before. “His instincts aren’t as keen in center field, where his reads and routes leave a lot to be desired, so he profiles better as a corner outfielder with solid-to-plus arm strength,” a scouting report noted.

Yankees still backing Jasson Dominguez despite defensive struggles

The Yankees aren’t panicking—yet.

“There’s no reason he shouldn’t be able to handle left field,” manager Aaron Boone told The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner.

General manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic. “We obviously believe [Dominguez] has a very high ceiling, and he’s healthy,” he told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

Dominguez’s bat is what’s keeping him in the conversation. In 18 major league games last season, he put up a 107 OPS+ with six home runs and 27 strikeouts. In the minors, he slashed .314/.376/.504 across three levels and stole 16 bases.

With Juan Soto now a Met, the Yankees have an opening in the outfield. Aaron Judge is expected to move back to right, while Cody Bellinger can play either center or left. If Dominguez cleans up his defense in spring training, he has a shot at locking down the final outfield spot. If not, the Yankees may have to rethink their plans.

Image: Imagn Images

Jasson Dominguez

Natasha Bose

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