With or without Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees need production from these two players

Dominguez looks to fill the left field position and provide the type of offensive displays his pedigree has teased us with. 

Boone clarified that they understand Dominguez is experiencing a learning curve and will be given plenty of opportunities. 

"There’s no reason he shouldn’t be able to handle left field,” Boone said.

A healthy Dominguez is the betting favorite to win the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year Award, and should that happen — and Stanton miss significant time — hefty production from the 22-year-old Dominican could be key.

Raw potential remains, but Dominguez experienced some fielding blunders early in the spring and has yet to hit a stride after a nasty oblique strain put him on the shelf for several weeks last season. A full spring in Tampa will help reveal where the young star is in his development.

Impressed with his work ethic and dedication, Gerrit Cole added, "He’s maturing and getting better."

The Cubs exercised their $5 million buyout of Cody Bellinger, who looks to get back on track in the Bronx Bomber Pinstripes. Last season, Bellinger was often meh, but he's only one year removed from a top-10 MVP nod and winning a 2023 Silver Slugger Award as a Utility Man.

A resurgence from the versatile 29-year-old addition — mainly if their big designated hitter is on the shelf for an extended period — is exactly what the Yankees need.

Fangraphs has Bellinger in center field 68 percent of the time, with former Gold Glover Trent Grisham subbing for Bellinger, who can also play at 1B or be the DH. The Martian is forecasted to play approximately 77 percent of the time in left field, should he successfully claim the spot this spring.