Jasson Dominguez’s rookie season with the Yankees has certainly been an interesting one. Signed for a record $5.1 million in 2019, Yankee fans have had sky-high expectations for the former number one international prospect ever since his arrival. And in his first taste of big-league action in 2023, Dominguez didn’t disappoint. In 31 at-bats, Dominguez clubbed four home runs with seven RBI, all while posting an OPS of .980. Unfortunately, a UCL injury knocked him out for the rest of 2023, as well as most of 2024.
Now fully healthy, the expectation was for Dominguez to be New York’s starting left-fielder in 2025. But thanks to the bar he set for himself in 2023, Yankee fans were expecting him to produce. And while Dominguez has certainly done that at times, he’s had numerous growing pains along the way. However, his rookie season provides a lot of reasons for optimism going forward.
The Good
As a prospect, scouts raved about Dominguez’s power and switch-hitting ability. And in May, Dominguez put both on full display in a game against the Athletics. In a 10-2 victory, Dominguez hit three home runs, becoming the youngest player in franchise history with a three-home-run game. He also became the first Yankee since Aaron Hicks in 2018 to have a three-home-run game with home runs from both sides of the plate. In July, he had another multi-home run game against the New York Mets, hitting two long-balls in a 6-5 loss.
Another tool scouts were high on was Dominguez’s speed, and it certainly hasn’t disappointed so far. In 114 games, Dominguez has swiped 21 bases, the second most on the team behind Jazz Chisholm. Those 21 stolen bases are also the third-most of all American League rookies.
The Bad
Between the basepaths and at the plate, Dominguez has been excellent. Unfortunately, his work in the outfield has left much to be desired. As it stands, Dominguez has a fielding run value of -10, meaning his defensive shortcomings have given up an extra 10 runs. His defensive WAR (dWAR) is also -1.3, further highlighting his poor defense. Still, playing the outfield is no easy task, and it’s almost impossible to master it. It will certainly take more than one full season for Dominguez to be comfortable as a corner outfielder.
What the Future Holds
When you’re a former number one international prospect, expectations will always be through the roof. Through the midst of an up-and-down rookie season, Jasson Dominguez has flashed his star power potential numerous times. He’s also exemplified the ways, especially defensively, in which he needs to improve. With Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and Giancarlo Stanton in the majors, as well as Spencer Jones in the minors, New York’s outfield might be the best in the league. However, perhaps none of them has as much potential as Jasson Dominguez. Time will tell, though, if he can live up to it.
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