The Yankees head into the final full month of the 2023 campaign firmly out of a playoff spot. With an eye towards 2024 and beyond, New York is reportedly set to call up center fielder Jasson Dominguez, a highly-touted prospect in the Yankees organization, from the Minors. Here’s a closer look at the 20-year-old switch-hitter.
Related: Evaluating Each NL Wild Card Contender Heading into September
A Look at Dominguez
Yankees OF Jasson Dominguez has been on the radar ever since New York signed him out of the Dominican Republic for $5.1M in 2019. Nicknamed “The Martian” for his other-worldly talents as an amateur, scouting reports at the time indicated that the power-hitting outfielder could turn into an elite all-around player and received comparisons to Mike Trout and Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle.
The now-20-year-old had to wait until 2021 to get his first taste of pro ball, but did fine in his first look. Dominguez hit .252/.353/.379 with five home runs, nine stolen bases, and 15 extra base hits over 56 games. He even got a nod to head to the MLB Futures Game that year, before he even jumped to full-season ball.
Since that season, Dominguez has steadily developed as a ballplayer but hasn’t hit those lofty expectations that surrounded him when he initially signed.
Dominguez entered the 2023 campaign as arguably the Yankees’ second-best prospect behind Anthony Volpe, who is just one home run away from a 20-20 campaign in his rookie season. In 118 games between Somerset (AA) and Scranton Wilkes-Barre (AAA), Dominguez hit .265/.377/.425 with 15 home runs, 40 stolen bases, and 40 extra base hits.
Scouts have lauded his bat speed and power, which hasn’t resulted in home runs in bunches yet but does give him at least 20-25 potential in a full 162-game campaign. He’s also been a threat to swipe bases, as he’s accumulated 77 SB since the start of 2022.
The strikeouts are going to be something to watch with the 20-year-old at the big league level, as he did post a K% rate north of 24% this season. But, his talents are undeniable.
While Dominguez has not been officially called up by the Yankees, MLB.com reported that Dominguez will be moved up. Catcher Austin Wells will also reportedly join the 20-year-old.
What it Means for the Yankees and Fantasy Outlook
Given the Yankees’ lofty expectations, the 2023 campaign has not been a good one for the Bronx Bombers. However, Yankees fans will get a look at some of the team’s best prospects in September.
New York already summoned infielder Oswald Peraza and outfielder Everson Pereira to the Majors, and now Dominguez and Austin Wells will join the fray with Josh Donaldson gone and OF Harrison Bader likely to be playing elsewhere in September after he was placed on waivers.
The switch-hitting Dominguez has the potential to be an everyday player and he still possess the lofty ceiling that scouts projected he could hit when the Yankees originally signed him. But even if Dominguez only turns out to be a 15-25 or 20-25 player at the MLB level, that will still provide plenty of value in the future for the Yankees.
As far as Dominguez’s fantasy value is concerned, the switch-hitting outfielder has the power and speed to be an impact player for players. However, the key will be how much contact he can make in the short-term. Nonetheless, key an eye on him, as Dominguez could be a very nice find come next spring if the 20-year-old cracks the Opening Day roster.
