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Yankees urged to make surprising decision on Jasson Dominguez

The New York Yankees banked on Jasson Dominiguez being a key part of their future, but that may soon come to an end.

If New York brings back Cody Bellinger this offseason, Dominguez’s future with the Yankees is up in the air. With that, MLB insider Brian Murphy of MLB.com believes the Yankees could look to trade the star young outfielder in a rather surprising move.

“Heading into 2026, it feels like Jasson Domínguez’s career in New York is already at a crossroads. … Still just 22 years old, Domínguez obviously possesses gobs of potential,” Murphy wrote. “If the team can’t work out a deal for Bellinger or Tucker, or if it believes top outfield prospect Spencer Jones isn’t quite ready, Domínguez might get another shot at extended playing time.

“But if the Yankees do make another outfield addition, they could do something that would have seemed unfathomable not too long ago and decide to trade Domínguez to upgrade the roster elsewhere.”

Dominguez would likely have some good trade value. New York could get an asset back in return for him to fill a more pressing need. The 22-year-old could be a starter outfielder on another team, so perhaps the Yankees look to move him for some pitching help or an infielder.

Dominguez hit .257 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs last season. He had just one at-bat during the Yankees’ playoff run.

Yankees Unlikely to Make a Position Change for Dominguez

With Dominguez’s future with the Yankees murky, he is heading to the Dominican League to work on his outfield defense and right-handed hitting.

However, if New York brings back Bellinger, it puts Dominguez in a weird spot. Yankees insider Brendan Kuty of The Athletic believes that means he could be dealt.

“Left field is hard, especially at Yankee Stadium. And the Yankees surely recognized the difference between having Bellinger over Domínguez there last season,” Kuty wrote. “Also, with the nine figures that Bellinger is likely to procure, the Yankees probably won’t want to up his first base usage until he runs out of steam in the outfield.

“Credit to Domínguez for going to the Dominican Republic to work on his defense and right-handed hitting. But he might be looking at a future where he’s a fourth outfielder or traded if the Yankees re-sign Bellinger.”

Dominguez has been a top Yankees prospect, but he hasn’t shown he can be an everyday player in the MLB.

Dominguez Expected to be ‘In The Mix’ for Starting Job

Entering the offseason, Dominguez was expected to be in the mix for a starting job in 2026, according to manager Aaron Boone.

“I still really like his ceiling,” Boone said. “I think he did a lot of really good things this year. 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.”

However, with Trent Grisham accepting his qualifying offer, Dominguez’s future got murkier, especially if Bellinger returns. But, for now, Dominguez is off playing winter ball to improve his game and be ready for spring training.

Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB and Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton

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