Yankees Young Slugger Addressing Biggest Weakness is Huge

Jasson Dominguez has worked on improving his defense this offseason after struggling in the outfield in 2025.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Jasson Dominguez, a top prospect for the New York Yankees, struggled defensively in the outfield last season, posting poor advanced metrics. Dominguez acknowledged this weakness and said he has worked on improving his defense during the offseason, including playing winter ball. While he may start the 2026 season in the minors due to the Yankees' outfield depth, Dominguez has a good attitude and is focused on continuing to develop all aspects of his game.

Why it matters

Dominguez is considered one of the Yankees' top young talents, but his defensive struggles last season limited his playing time. If he can shore up that part of his game, it could open the door for more opportunities at the major league level and help the Yankees maximize his potential.

The details

In 793 outfield innings last season, Dominguez posted -10 Outs Above Average and a -7 Defensive Runs Saved. He acknowledged this was a weakness in his game and has worked on improving his defense during the offseason, including playing winter ball. Dominguez may start the 2026 season in the minors due to the Yankees' outfield depth with Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham, but he is focused on continuing to develop all aspects of his game rather than worrying about his potential Opening Day roster status.

  • In the 2025 season, Dominguez posted poor defensive metrics in the outfield.
  • This offseason, Dominguez said he has worked on improving his defense.

The players

Jasson Dominguez

A top prospect for the New York Yankees who struggled defensively in the outfield in 2025 but has worked on improving that part of his game this offseason.

Cody Bellinger

An outfielder for the New York Yankees who is returning to the team in 2026, creating depth in the outfield.

Trent Grisham

An outfielder for the New York Yankees who is returning to the team in 2026, creating depth in the outfield.

Aaron Judge

The captain of the New York Yankees, who could potentially open up playing time for Dominguez if he were to get injured.

Spencer Jones

A top prospect for the New York Yankees who may start the 2026 season in the minors alongside Dominguez.

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What they’re saying

“Coming into camp, I feel pretty good. I feel like I've improved in my defense and my righty side, too. ... [Winter ball] was different. It was a lot of players with a lot of experience, and I think that helped me a lot, to have another mentality about defense and hitting. There are a lot of philosophies about that.”

— Jasson Dominguez (MLB.com)

“Obviously, I hear all of that, but I try not to focus on that. I try not to focus on that, because there is a Spring Training coming and this is baseball. A lot of things can happen.”

— Jasson Dominguez (MLB.com)

What’s next

If either Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, or Aaron Judge goes down with an injury, Dominguez or Spencer Jones could be called up from the minors to fill the void in the Yankees' outfield.

The takeaway

Dominguez's willingness to acknowledge and work on improving his defensive weaknesses shows maturity and a commitment to developing all aspects of his game. If he can translate that offseason work into improved on-field performance, it could open the door for more playing time with the Yankees and help the team maximize his potential as a top prospect.