This offseason, the Yankees were rumored to be in trade talks. This time, it was for Pirates star outfielder Bryan Reynolds. It made sense. The Yankees have a need in left field to fill. Reynolds requested to be traded. Many Yankees fans wanted the team to go “all in” and get Reynolds. Instead, the team has decided to enter the 2023 season with what they have at the position for now. Thank goodness they did! Currently, young outfielder Jasson Dominguez has been one of the more fun surprises in spring training. Dominguez has been having a very strong first spring training. Be patient Yankees fans, waiting for Dominguez to come up will be well worth it.
A Highly Touted Prospect
“The Martian” was ranked as the top prospect in the 2019-2020 international draft class. The Yankees signed him to a franchise record $5.1 million bonus. The Yankees only had 5.4 million to spend in international bonus pool money that year. However, the minor league season was canceled due to COVID-19. To make up for lost time, Dominguez opted to train at a baseball academy in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
An Impressive First Year
Dominguez would begin the 2021 season in extended spring training. He would then make his debut with the Florida Complex League Yankees of the Rookie-level Florida Complex League. That season, Dominguez was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game. He became the first prospect to appear in the game without having played a full minor league season. After the game, Dominguez would be promoted to the Tampa Tarpons of the Low-A Southeast League. In 49 games with Tampa, Dominguez batted .258 with five home runs, 18 RBI, and an OPS of .744.
A Very Succesful Second Pro Season
Dominguez opened the 2022 season with Tampa. Last season, Dominguez batted .265 with nine home runs, 36 RBI, and an OPS of .813. Another selection to the All-Star Futures Game awaited. “The Martian” would earn a promotion to the High-A Hudson Valley Renegades of the South Atlantic League. In 40 games with the Renegades, he batted .306 with six home runs, 22 RBI, and an OPS of .907. After Hudson Valley’s season ended, Dominguez earned another promotion to the AA Somerset Patriots of the Eastern League. He appeared in their last few regular season games and their postseason. He would help the Patriots win the Eastern League Championship. In the deciding game, Dominguez led the way going three for four with two home runs and six RBI.
A Surprisingly Successful First Spring Training
This year, the Yankees invited Jasson Dominguez to spring training as a non-roster invitee. Expectations weren’t very high. After all, he hasn’t had a lot of minor-league experience. His presence in camp essentially gives the Yankees an opportunity to see where he’s at in his development. It’s safe to say that “The Martian” has made quite the impression this spring. Dominguez is currently hitting .429 with four home runs, nine RBI, and an OPS of 1.500. His four home runs are tied for the most in spring training. Safe to say Jasson Dominguez is a lot farther along in his development than anyone expected.
Jasson Dominguez Is Untradeable
The Yankees have a once-in-a-generation talent in their farm system. They would be foolish to trade him away. Imagine when he is in the lineup with Aaron Judge, Anthony Rizzo, and Giancarlo Stanton! Given how well he’s performed this spring, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Yankees opted to promote him again. Be patient Yankees fans, when “The Martian” lands on the Yankees big league roster, it’s going to be awesome.
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