Jasson Dominguez Faces Uncertain Future With Yankees After Randal Grichuk Signing

The New York Yankees made a notable move in their outfield this offseason, adding veteran slugger Randal Grichuk to their roster on a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training. This signing has led to growing speculation about the future of one of the team’s most highly regarded prospects, Jasson Dominguez. With Grichuk now in the mix for the fourth outfielder role, Dominguez, who was once viewed as a key building block for the Yankees, finds himself fighting for playing time and possibly a spot in the minors to start the season.

The Yankees’ decision to bring in Grichuk raises important questions about Dominguez’s place in the roster. Grichuk, a proven big-league hitter, is expected to compete for playing time in left field and center field, potentially taking at-bats away from Dominguez, who has shown flashes of promise but has also struggled with consistency. As it stands, Dominguez will likely start the year in Triple-A, continuing his development, while Grichuk adds depth to the team’s outfield.

The Grichuk vs. Dominguez Battle for the Fourth Outfielder Role

Brendan Kuty of The Athletic raised concerns about Dominguez’s future with the Yankees, calling him “redundant” in light of Grichuk’s arrival. According to Kuty, the Yankees plan to use Grichuk as a versatile option who can fill in at both left field and center field, a position that could serve as a part-time solution to rest regular center fielder Trent Grisham. Grisham, who hit 34 home runs last season, is significantly stronger against right-handed pitching, so Grichuk could be called upon to start against lefties, allowing the Yankees to move Cody Bellinger to center field.

This competition between Grichuk and Dominguez, who is a switch-hitter, presents an issue for the latter, as he has historically been much better against right-handed pitchers than lefties. Additionally, Dominguez’s defensive struggles, particularly in left field, have made it more difficult for him to establish himself as a regular starter. As Kuty pointed out, Dominguez may find himself starting the season in Triple-A after a disappointing 2025 season, in which he lost his starting job in left field despite years of being one of the most hyped prospects in baseball.

Cashman’s Vision for Dominguez’s Development

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has made it clear that Dominguez’s development remains a priority for the team. However, Cashman also acknowledged that for Dominguez to truly grow as a player, he needs to be playing every day. The Yankees are in a position where they must make the best decision for Dominguez’s long-term growth, even if that means sending him to the minors for the start of the season.

“I would concede it’s in his best interest to be getting everyday reps,” Cashman said. “We’ll just have to wait and see how the spring shakes out, who’s standing, and then we’ll make the appropriate decisions when we have our meetings close to the end of camp.”

This decision highlights the Yankees’ commitment to Dominguez’s development, but it also reflects the reality of a team with championship aspirations. The Yankees need a roster that is ready to compete now, and if Dominguez’s lack of consistency both offensively and defensively prevents him from securing a role on the big-league roster, they will prioritize playing him regularly in Triple-A to help him continue his growth.

Dominguez’s 2025 Season: A Mixed Bag

Dominguez did have his moments in 2025 with the Yankees, appearing in 123 games and hitting .257 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs. While those numbers show potential, Dominguez’s overall performance was inconsistent, especially when compared to the high expectations that surrounded him as one of the game’s most anticipated young talents. His defense in left field was a particular area of concern, which is one of the main reasons he has yet to secure an everyday role with the Yankees.

The Yankees are committed to helping Dominguez reach his full potential, but that may require some time in the minors to refine his skills and gain more experience. The upcoming spring training will be crucial for Dominguez, as he will need to impress the coaching staff with his improvements in both hitting and defense if he hopes to make the major league roster out of camp.

The Yankees’ Outfield Situation: Competition and Tough Decisions Ahead

With the addition of Grichuk and the continued development of Dominguez, the Yankees face some tough decisions regarding their outfield. The starting outfield is already set with Cody Bellinger in left field, Trent Grisham in center, and Aaron Judge in right field. This leaves only one spot open for competition between Dominguez, Grichuk, and top prospect Spencer Jones.

At this point, Grichuk seems to have the upper hand, given his experience as a reliable fourth outfielder. His ability to play multiple positions in the outfield gives the Yankees added flexibility, which could be key in a season where injuries and rest days will inevitably come into play. For Dominguez and Jones, getting everyday at-bats in Triple-A may be the best option for their development at this stage in their careers.

“We have to play the spring out and see where it takes us,” Cashman added. “He’ll get his reps along with everybody else. And clearly, we’ll have to make some decisions at the end of camp. Sometimes those decisions get made for us when injuries occur. I guess we’ll wait and see how the spring plays out and do what’s best for us when it’s time to set the roster.”

The Yankees open their season on March 25 against the San Francisco Giants, and the decisions made in spring training will play a significant role in shaping the team’s final roster.

Dominguez’s Future with the Yankees: A Make-or-Break Year

For Jasson Dominguez, 2026 could be a pivotal year in his career. The Yankees’ outfield competition is fierce, and with players like Grichuk pushing for a spot, Dominguez will need to show consistent improvement if he wants to remain part of the Yankees’ plans. Whether he starts the season in the majors or in Triple-A, the pressure will be on him to prove that he can live up to the immense potential that has made him one of baseball’s top prospects. The next few months will determine if Dominguez can reclaim a spot with the Yankees or if he will need to look for a fresh opportunity elsewhere.