Jasson Dominguez has heard the chatter.
The New York Yankees‘ young outfielder, who doesn’t have an obvious path to playing time to begin the 2026 MLB season, spoke with reporters at spring training this weekend. He’s not hiding from the reality of his situation.
Dominguez acknowledged that he knows what has been said, but also certainly isn’t writing himself off.
“Obviously, I hear all of that, but I try not to focus on that,” Domínguez told reporters on Sunday, via MLB.com. “I try not to focus on that, because there is a Spring Training coming and this is baseball. A lot of things can happen.”
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Right now, Dominguez is the odd man out.
The Yankees brought back Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham this offseason, and they join Aaron Judge as the starting outfield.
Giancarlo Stanton will be the regular DH, with Ben Rice at first base and Austin Wells behind the plate, and also Paul Goldschmidt on the bench potentially to get at bats as a designated hitter or first baseman.
Dominguez could genuinely start the season in Triple-A, and GM Brian Cashman acknowledged recently that’s a real possibility.
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The 23-year old Dominguez played regularly in the first half of last season but saw his action dwindle as the campaign went along.
“They’ve got to do what’s best for the team,” Domínguez said Sunday. “Whatever decision they make, I’ll be ready for.”
Dominguez was long a highly heralded prospect and could still have some solid upside, but the Yankees are certainly in win-now mode and have lots of experienced talent in front of him.
He’ll have to make a strong impression this spring to at least give himself a chance at sticking around and playing early on.
