Yankees Weigh Jasson Dominguez's Future Amid Crowded Outfield

Dominguez fighting for spot on Opening Day roster heading into camp

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The New York Yankees are facing a dilemma with top prospect Jasson Dominguez as they head into the 2026 season. With a crowded outfield that includes Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham, the team is considering sending the 23-year-old Dominguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to get regular playing time, rather than have him in a reserve role in the majors. Dominguez had a brief call-up in 2023 but missed most of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. Last season, he slashed .257/.331/.388 with 18 doubles, 10 homers, 47 RBIs and 23 stolen bases, but struggled against left-handed pitching.

Why it matters

The Yankees' decision on Dominguez's future will have a significant impact on the team's outfield depth and the development of one of their top prospects. Dominguez was once considered the future face of the franchise, and the team must weigh whether regular playing time in the minors or a reserve role in the majors is best for his long-term growth.

The details

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman suggested that Dominguez could be better served opening the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to get everyday reps, rather than being a reserve player in the majors. Dominguez's playing time was reduced last season due to the emergence of Trent Grisham, who had an All-Star-caliber season. With Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger also entrenched in the outfield, the Yankees must decide if a similar assignment would stall Dominguez's development.

  • Dominguez homered on his first swing in a Yankees uniform in September 2023.
  • Dominguez played winter ball following the Bombers' playoff exit in 2025, seeking additional reps in left field and against left-handed pitching.
  • Dominguez's 2023 callup was cut short after eight games by Tommy John surgery, and he played in just 18 big league games in 2024, most of them in September.

The players

Jasson Dominguez

A 23-year-old outfielder who is one of the Yankees' top prospects, known as "The Martian" due to his exceptional athletic abilities.

Brian Cashman

The general manager of the New York Yankees.

Trent Grisham

An outfielder who had an All-Star-caliber season for the Yankees in 2025, reducing Dominguez's playing time.

Aaron Judge

The Yankees' star outfielder who is on his way to a third American League MVP Award.

Cody Bellinger

An outfielder who enjoyed a bounce-back showing in 2025 that earned him a new five-year, $162.5 million deal with the Yankees.

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What they’re saying

“I would concede it's in his best interest to be getting everyday reps.”

— Brian Cashman, General Manager (mlb.com)

“Ultimately, Grish came out of nowhere last year and had an All-Star-caliber season. He took control of one of those everyday spots with Judge and Belli, which kind of reduced Jasson to a role player, even as a young player.”

— Brian Cashman, General Manager (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Yankees will have to make a decision on Dominguez's role during Spring Training, as they weigh whether he is better served getting regular playing time in the minors or serving in a reserve role in the majors.

The takeaway

The Yankees' decision on Jasson Dominguez's future highlights the challenges of developing top prospects when a team has a crowded roster. The team must balance Dominguez's long-term development with the need to field a competitive team in the present, as they navigate a difficult decision that could shape the future of one of their most promising young players.