Jasson Domínguez acknowledged uncertainty about his future with the New York Yankees after general manager Brian Cashman suggested he might start the 2026 season in the minors. The 23-year-old outfielder emphasized focusing on preparation amid a crowded outfield. He expressed readiness for whatever decision the team makes.
TAMPA, Fla. – As Yankees position players reported to George M. Steinbrenner Field for spring training, switch-hitting outfielder Jasson Domínguez, known as “The Martian,” discussed the ambiguity surrounding his 2026 role. General manager Brian Cashman recently indicated that Domínguez might benefit from everyday at-bats in the minors, given the team's outfield depth.
The Yankees' outfield includes Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and Aaron Judge for regular roles, with Giancarlo Stanton as the designated hitter. This setup limits opportunities for Domínguez, who played mostly in a reserve capacity during the second half of the 2025 season. An internal discussion has considered optioning him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, as Cashman noted it would be “in his best interest to be getting everyday reps.”
“Obviously, I hear all of that, but I try not to focus on that,” Domínguez said. “I try not to focus on that, because there is a Spring Training coming and this is baseball. A lot of things can happen.” He added, “They’ve got to do what’s best for the team. Whatever decision they make, I’ll be ready for.”
Veteran Amed Rosario assisted Domínguez in adapting to limited playing time, advising on preparation for pinch-hitting and pinch-running. “Rosario has been in that role before,” Domínguez said. “The biggest thing I learned from that is just trying to be ready whenever the opportunity comes.”
In the postseason, Domínguez appeared in one game, pinch-hitting for Anthony Volpe in Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Blue Jays. He doubled to the wall in right-center and scored in New York's 5-2 loss. Postseason, he played winter ball to gain reps in left field and against left-handed pitchers, an area of struggle where he has batted .186 (22-for-118) with one home run and nine RBIs in the majors.
Domínguez has trained at the club’s Player Development Complex since mid-January. “Coming into camp, I feel pretty good,” he said. “I feel like I’ve improved in my defense and my righty side, too. … [Winter ball] was different. It was a lot of players with a lot of experience, and I think that helped me a lot.”
The situation also affects Spencer Jones, the Yankees' No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline, who turns 25 in May. Before Bellinger's re-signing on January 26, Jones was projected to compete for left field. Cashman described Jones as “currently blocked” on the depth chart. “In my mind, this is the best organization to play for,” Jones said. “If opportunities come later, I think it’s for a good reason. We’re trying to help a team win a World Series.”
The Yankees are adopting a wait-and-see approach, as Cashman remarked, “Sometimes, those decisions get made for us.” Domínguez concluded, “I’m going to do my best to get the best results that I can get. That’s what I’m focusing on right now.”
