TAMPA, Fla — The Yankees have begun their quest for their 28th World Series title and their first since 2009. The past few seasons, the Yankees have left some holes on their roster going into opening day, like left field and third base. This season, the Yankees have a surplus in the outfield, leaving former top prospect Jasson Domínguez on the outside looking in.

Ticketed for AAA?

When the Yankees re-signed Cody Bellinger in January, it meant Domínguez would be on the outside looking in going into 2026 spring training. Domínguez’s name also popped up in its fair share of trade rumors this offseason, considering how unclear his future looked.

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

Domínguez, nicknamed “The Martian,” rose through the Yankees farm system on the quicker side. That might not have been the best for his development. Between COVID and injuries, Domínguez has not had much time in the minors. That might change in 2026.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman previously said that the team was reluctant to send Domínguez to AAA because he earned the right to be on the big league roster. Cashman’s status about Domínguez has seemingly since changed.

“I would conceive that it’s in our best interest to get him every day reps.” Cashman said Friday. “We’ll be able to do that with all of these guys down here as they go through their ramp-ups, then we’ll see have to wait and see how the spring shakes out and who’s standing when we have our meetings closer to the end of camp. So we’ll see where it takes us.”

Jasson Domínguez (6)
Walk-Off 🚨

Opponent: Texas Rangers
Pitcher: Luke Jackson
Date: 05/21/2025 pic.twitter.com/oMoAwLmW4B

— Yankees Home Runs (@NYY_HR) May 22, 2025

Could AAA benefit Dominguez?

Domínguez has a great profile to be a really good offensive player. His hitting from the right side of the plate and his overall defense need work. Giving Domínguez every day reps in AAA to improve these flaws would help the depth this team already possesses.

It would frankly be a miracle for the Yankees to stay fully healthy throughout the course of the regular season. Giancarlo Stanton can be penciled in to miss a month of the season at some point. That would be the opportunity for Domínguez to show off at the major league level.

Manager Aaron Boone told the media that everyone reported to camp healthy. That only makes it more certain that Domínguez will end up in AAA to start the season.

“They’ve got to do what’s best for the team,” Said Domínguez. “Whatever decision they make, I’ll be ready for it.”

Jasson Domínguez, Spencer Jones, among others now working on fly balls pic.twitter.com/PAGADCYHpD

— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) February 15, 2026

Domínguez has all the talent in the world, but he needs to put the work in during the season. With no Trent Grisham on the roster in 2025, it will be Domínguez’s job to lose.

(Top Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)