Spring training is just around the corner, and the New York Yankees have a few roster battles to watch as players report and begin practices.
One area that the team has a big decision to make is the bench. While J.C. Escarra is set to be the backup catcher, the other spots are up for grabs and will be decided upon after reviewing performances. According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, outfielder and former top prospect Jasson Dominguez isn’t a guarantee to make the opening day roster.
“The questions come with Dominguez and (Oswaldo) Cabrera. Dominguez, who turns 23 on Saturday, is an imperfect fit as the roster’s fourth outfielder,” Kuty wrote on Thursday. “The Yankees could use a right-handed-hitting complement to center fielder Trent Grisham. But DomÃnguez, a switch hitter, didn’t perform well versus lefties last year, and he played only left field. The Yankees have been hunting for a righty hitter who can play multiple outfield positions.”
If the Yankees do not add any external outfielders before the season starts, it seems like they would almost have to go with Dominguez despite not being a perfect fit. Much of this spring should be spent on training Dominguez how to at least play right field as well to make him slightly more versatile. However, Dominguez’s job could be in jeopardy if the organization adds another outfielder.
Dominguez has put up decent numbers in the fourth outfielder role for New York while playing second fiddle to the trio of Grisham, Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge. His defense, though, has been league average at best which makes it difficult for the Yankees to consistently get him reps. Playing behind Bellinger and Judge adds insult to injury in that regard.
One thing for certain is Dominguez needs to have a great spring to ensure he makes the opening day roster for the Bronx Bombers.
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