Jasson Dominguez - 7/6/22

Prospect spotlight on Yankees' Jasson Dominguez

Prospect Spotlight 🔦

Jasson Dominguez, CF - Age: 19, Bats/Throws: S/R, 5' 10" / 190 - Yankees (A)

From the moment Jasson Dominguez signed with the Yankees in 2019 for $5.1 million he’s faced outsized (and unrealistic) expectations. I’m not sure what it means you’ve been dubbed “The Martian” before playing a single game, but let’s assume you have some freakish physical tools that are not of this world. The missed COVID season and an initial assignment in extended spring training delayed Dominguez’s pro debut until the summer of 2021. Given the anticipation and sky-high expectations, it seemed like the only thing that would satiate Yankees fans was a big league debut at 18-years-old. That didn’t happen, of course. Dominguez had a disappointing initial season despite being a better than average hitter in the Florida State League. Across 214 plate appearances, the then 18-year-old outfielder hit .258/.346/.398 (105 wRC+) with five home runs and seven steals. A fine debut, but certainly not otherworldly.

Dominguez then opened the 2022 season with a poor April in which he hit just .225/.247/.324 (64 wRC+). A funny thing has happened since then — the prospect world and hype train has largely moved on, and since May 1st Dominguez has laid waste to FSL pitching to the tune of a .269/.407/.462 (154 wRC+) slash line. The switch-hitting Dominguez has shown off his seemingly natural ability to barrel the baseball while also improving his strike zone recognition and bat-to-ball skills. On the season he’s slashing .257/.368/.424 (132 wRC+) with eight home runs and 16 steals. He’s also simultaneously improved his walk rate and reduced his strike out rate.