Why the Yankees Shouldn’t Trade Jasson Domínguez

MLB’s annual Trade Deadline is three days away and as it is every year, rumors are flying about pretty much any player you can think of. 

Jasson Domínguez, who was expected by many to be the Yankees’ everyday left fielder this season and in the Rookie of the Year conversation, has instead had an up-and-down campaign. Multiple baseball insiders, including Jim Bowden of The Athletic, have addressed Domínguez’s status and while the prevailing opinion is that he won’t be dealt, they have left the door open to the possibility. 

However, if the Yankees were to trade Domínguez, also known as “The Martian,” it would be a big mistake. The switch-hitting 22-year-old outfielder has shown that he is a potent hitter from the left side. In 237 plate appearances as a lefty, Domínguez has a slashline of .273/.346/.445 and an OPS of .791. If he only hit from the left side and continued to hit at that rate, he would indeed be in the Rookie of the Year conversation. 

The problem is his batting from the right side. In 97, plate appearances as a righty, Domínguez has a slashline of .209/.289/.302 and an OPS of .591. Those numbers may be unsightly, but he has room to grow and is only 22 years old. 

He has shown the ability to be an above-average baserunner with 15 stolen bases (while only being caught twice). Yes, his defense is a work in progress, but again, he’s only 22. 

For many years, the Yankees have cycled through a litany of left fielders, going as far back as their dynasty in the 90s. So, if they can remain patient with Domínguez, they might finally have the left fielder they’ve been searching for. That’s why it would be a mistake to trade him. 22-year-olds with Domínguez’s potential don’t grow on trees. Sure, he could bring back a decent haul to help the Yankees this season, but they’d be losing out on the following years when, if he develops into the type of player many believe he will, he could be a star.