Jasson Domínguez gave a slight, subdued smile as he stood in the visiting clubhouse at Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pa., last month.
The Yankees’ top prospect had made a brief appearance as a Major Leaguer during the Little League Classic, adding another Minor League park to his list of visits.
Asked about General Manager Brian Cashman’s recent remarks suggesting there was “no lane” for him to secure a permanent Major League spot, Domínguez responded, “I don’t have any thoughts about that, really, because that’s a thing that I can’t control. So it is what it is. I just focus on playing and doing my job. That part is not my job.”
The expectation was that Domínguez might be called up with the roster expansion from 26 to 28 players on September 1. However, the date came and went with Domínguez still in the Minors, as the Yankees made roster changes but did not promote him.
Instead of Domínguez, the Yankees added Duke Ellis, a quick outfielder acquired off waivers from the Mariners on August 27. “He will remain in the conversation moving forward,” manager Aaron Boone stated about Domínguez. “When he comes up here, we’re going to want to play him every day, so he’ll continue to remain in the conversation.”
Boone confirmed that Domínguez could be promoted at any point this month. Being on the 40-man roster allows him to contribute to the team’s playoff push and be eligible for the postseason.
Nonetheless, both Boone and Cashman have indicated they won’t call up Domínguez unless he can play regularly. Cashman had explained last month on MLB Network Radio, “It’s nice to know he’s there. He’s just knocking rust off and waiting for his opportunity if it comes.”
Another factor is the current performance of left fielder Alex Verdugo, who had two hits in a 14-7 loss to the Cardinals and has been solid in recent games. Despite a recent slump, with a .202 average since June 15 and a .547 OPS, Boone believes Verdugo is “capable” offensively and may just be experiencing some bad luck.
Boone added, “You scratch underneath and it is in line with what he’s done most of his career, as far as contact quality. He can really defend in left. If he can get it going, talking about [adding] length to the lineup, he certainly can provide that.”
Domínguez’s rookie status could also influence the decision. If he doesn’t exceed 130 career at-bats this season (he has 35), he will retain his rookie status for 2025. This could potentially allow the Yankees to gain a Draft pick after the first round in 2026 if Domínguez wins the AL Rookie of the Year Award in 2025.
Paul O’Neill noted on Sunday’s YES Network broadcast that Domínguez’s return is not guaranteed to be successful, recalling his promising but brief Major League stint last season, which included a home run against Justin Verlander before he had to undergo season-ending surgery for a torn right ulnar collateral ligament.
Although Domínguez has performed well in the Minors this season, hitting .307/.367/.490 with nine homers and 28 RBIs in 52 games, his performance during the Little League Classic was less impressive. He went hitless against the Tigers and made an error in the field. Boone attributed this to the challenge of facing Tarik Skubal, a contender for the AL Cy Young Award.
Despite these challenges, Boone acknowledged that adding Domínguez to the Yankees’ 28-man roster would benefit the team and their chances for another championship.
“It was a tough call right now,” Boone said. “But that doesn’t mean that doesn’t change in a couple days, a week, two weeks, whatever it is. But it’s important for him to continue to play right now.”
