NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 22: Jasson Domínguez #24 of the New York Yankees walks to the dugout after striking out during the fourth inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium on May 22, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
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The New York Yankees have had a relatively quiet offseason, but by most standards their latest addition was a big one.
The team has successfully negotiated a five-year, $162 million return for former Most Valuable Player Award winner Cody Bellinger and they could earn the American League’s most wins again next year as a result.
“The projected starting lineup features seven players who started in the Yankees’ last playoff game of 2025 — and if not for shortstop Anthony Volpe’s shoulder surgery, it would have been eight,” Brendan Kuty wrote for The Athletic. “This shouldn’t be considered a bad thing — however, it’s unusual for the Yankees, who spent the previous two winters making big changes.”
New York Yankees Face Crowded Outfield After Cody Bellinger Reunion
Still, even if the Yankees’ only significant move is the new contract for Bellinger, the team will almost certainly make some kind of additional tweak before next season begins. The Yankees could use some reinforcement in the bullpen and perhaps another starter. And, as of now, their outfield might be a little too crowded.
“Bellinger re-signing with New York was great news for just about everyone associated with the organization except for (Jasson) Dominguez,” Jorge Castillo wrote for ESPN. “The former can’t-miss prospect was previously projected to start in left field for the Yankees. Now that job belongs to Bellinger, dislodging Dominguez from an everyday role.”
ESPN Reporter Predicts New York Yankees Will Trade Jasson Dominguez Before Spring Training
As a result, Castillo predicted that the Yankees would trade Dominguez, nicknamed “The Martian,” away before spring training starts on February 20. The young slugger appears to be the team’s most likely trade chip as it seeks to upgrade other areas of the roster.
“The Yankees could use him as part of a trade to bolster another area — perhaps pitching help or a right-handed-hitting catcher or outfielder,” Castillo added. “The Martian is talented, but he could land somewhere else very soon.”
Dominguez is only 23 and he has been a highly-touted prospect in the Yankees’ system for years, but his first year of full-time action in the big leagues was a bit of a disappointment. He slashed just .257/.331/.388 in 381 at-bats last year with poor defense and issues against right-handed pitching that might limit his ceiling, at least for next season.
With perennial pressure to win a World Series, the Yankees won’t have much more patience with the young outfielder. And if they’re looking to capitalize on his promise by trading him away before the season starts, time is running out.