Where Jasson Dominguez fits within Yankees puzzle still to be…
Jasson Domínguez’s exhibiting in the postseason embodied what the Yankees consider the younger outfielder.
For a second straight October, Domínguez barely obtained off the bench when it mattered most, however not like their World Series run of 2024, the 22-year-old not less than obtained an at-bat during these playoffs.
It was a pinch-hit, rocket double from the left facet that clocked in at 112 MPH.
But it adopted a wild-card collection and ALDS wherein Domínguez barely performed a task, and that got here after a September wherein he was an afterthought, with just 20 plate appearances in the total month.
The Yankees say he’s an important a part of their future and he’s still the youngest participant on their 40-man roster, however at some point, Domínguez wants to play up to expectations.
And heading into this offseason, not even the Yankees have a lot of an concept if that will be the case.
Jasson Domínguez #24 hits a double during the ninth inning of Game 4 of the ALDS against the Blue Jays. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“I expect him to be right in that mix to be that guy,’’ Aaron Boone said this week. “I still really like his ceiling. But, again, you’ve got to see where the winter takes you and what the roster looks like. I expect him to be a regular player for us, though.”
To Boone’s point, the Yankees outfield state of affairs is in flux. Trent Grisham is a free agent after rising as an influence risk as an on a regular basis centerfielder and Cody Bellinger is predicted to choose out of his contract to hit the open market after a stellar season in The Bronx.
Boone said he anticipated Domínguez to play winter ball this offseason and work in left discipline, but when the Yankees don’t convey again Bellinger or Grisham, it appears onerous to consider they’d entrust Domínguez to play left discipline regularly, given his deficiencies at the place.
He primarily performed middle in the minors, although Boone famous he didn’t have numerous minor league games due to accidents and the COVID-shortened season of 2020.
Jasson Domínguez (24) is unable to discipline Houston Astros outfielder Chas McCormick (20) ground-rule double in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Still, among 19 outfielders who performed not less than 790 innings in left this past season, none had a worse defensive runs saved rating than Domínguez’s minus-7, according to Fangraphs.
And his minus-10 outs above common was the worst among 34 outfielders, according to Baseball Savant.
“Definitely, left field continues to be a work in progress,’’ Boone said. “I think he made tremendous strides there.”
Jasson Domínguez runs down the ball after misplaying Chas McCormick’s double as Cody Bellinger appears to be like on during a Yankees’ game against the Astros this past season. Jason Szenez / New York Post
Scouts had been less impressed together with his progress defensively.
“I don’t see a guy that’s comfortable there, and Yankee Stadium isn’t a place you want someone who’s figuring it out,” an AL scout said.
Since the Yankees also have a query mark in middle, it’s onerous to know the place Domínguez lands, however Boone said the team continues to like his arm strength, speed and athleticism, and believes the work he put into bettering that a part of his game will repay.
But the other issue is that while Domínguez has shown he can be harmful from the left facet of the plate, he’s struggled from the proper facet.
He had just a .569 OPS and one homer in 104 plate appearances as a right-handed hitter and struck out 34 instances.
“He did numerous actually good issues this 12 months,’’ Boone said. “We all see his ability at the plate. He didn’t hit for lots of energy, however there’s energy in there to all fields from each side of the plate… He has an opportunity to actually hit and be a superb defender. And we noticed the impression he can have on the basepaths. This season very a lot confirmed us we will still dream on [him].’’
Until that dream turns into a actuality, though, the Yankees will be hard-pressed to merely hand him an on a regular basis spot.
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