Cody Bellinger is back with the Yankees. So is Trent Grisham. So what does that mean for Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones?
On Wednesday, Aaron Boone said that the return of the veteran outfielders changes the immediate outlooks for the younger ones. With Bellinger expected to primarily play left, Grisham manning center and Aaron Judge cemented in right, Domínguez, 22, and Jones, 24, currently project as fourth outfielders at best at a point when they’re still developing and could use regular playing time.
Of course, a lot can happen between now and the start of the season, and Boone is never one to get ahead of himself.
“That maybe complicates some things for them,” Boone said of Bellinger and Grisham’s impact on Domínguez and Jones, “but we also know what potentially outstanding players they’re going to be in this league, and we have a long time to go between now and, first of all, even the first spring training game, but certainly Opening Day. You never know what’s going to come down the pike. So we’re fortunate to have two really talented players.
“So you start predicting the future too early, and things change in a hurry.”
Earlier this offseason, Brian Cashman acknowledged that getting Grisham and Bellinger back could lead to Domínguez and Jones being dangled in trade talks. While that could still happen, several starting pitchers linked to the Yankees have since been dealt elsewhere.
With no obvious big-ticket alternatives to pursue on the trade block, it’s certainly possible that the Yankees hang on to Domínguez, who adjusted to a bench role last season, and Jones, who has yet to make his MLB debut.
Domínguez would have the inside track when it comes to making the Opening Day roster in such a scenario, as he was expected to be the Yankees’ everyday left fielder entering 2025. However, the switch-hitting Martian was a defensive liability in left and struggled from the right side of the plate before he lost playing time. Improvements in both regards would help his case this spring, especially with the Yankees standing to benefit from the addition of a right-handed bench bat, though that could also come at catcher or first base.
Jones, meanwhile, is coming off a monstrous season split between Double-A and Triple-A. But there are still serious concerns about how often he swings and misses, especially on pitches in the strike zone.
The center fielder is also a left-handed hitter.
While Domínguez and Jones don’t have a clear path to regular playing time right now, that could change with an injury. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton is always a candidate for an IL stint, so it’s not hard to see at-bats becoming available for Domínguez or Jones, though that would make the Yankees’ lineup even more left-handed than it already is.
Boone also mentioned Bellinger’s versatility while discussing Domínguez and Jones. Bellinger is capable of playing all three outfield positions and first base, and he hits lefties well despite being one himself. While first baseman Ben Rice is expected to play more against southpaws, Grisham, a fellow portside swinger, struggled against them last season.
Those factors may create some opportunities in left field for Domínguez or Jones, who could impact the Yankees well beyond 2026 if they stick around.
“We’ll see how everything plays out,” Boone said. “The reality is we have a lot of really good players, and Jasson and Spencer are part of that.”
