Can the Yankees’ Martian Return? Jasson Dominguez’s Electrifying Minor League Stint Raises Tough Questions for the Yankees

Calling Jasson Dominguez’s minor league stint bombastic would probably be an understatement as of now. Not that it is surprising – the New York Yankees’ Martian had already shown his potential in 2023. However, few would have imagined that his recovery from Tommy John would go so smoothly. If anything it looks like the 21-year-old hasn’t lost any power and that makes one wonder – could he somehow make a comeback to the major leagues this season?

Normally, a question like this would end in a resounding yes. Why wouldn’t a team want to call a red-hot player like Dominguez? But then this Yankees squad isn’t like the one in 2023. With a 47-21 record, they sit atop the league. Their hitting staff too hold the top spot in multiple categories. And that makes this question that much more crucial – can Jasson Dominguez make a comeback this year?

“He’s playing well and in a good spot,” Aaron Boone said a few days ago per New York Post. “We certainly know what he’s capable of. When it’s his time, we’ll be excited for that because we know what kind of impact he can have.” However, Boone also said that the team will not “rush” his return. Is it because the Yankees are playing it safe or because they don’t have space for the Martian?

There are two possible avenues for Dominguez to enter the team. 1) as an outfielder, and 2) as a DH. However, currently, both of these positions are filled by veterans or good performers. For instance, the outfield currently comprises Aaron Judge, Juan Soto (two undroppable players) and Alex Verdugo. Would the Bronx Bombers drop Verdugo for Dominguez? The answer seems no chiefly because Verdugo has become highly popular in the clubhouse. On top of that, he has given the Yankees stability as the 4th hitter.

Then comes the DH role currently occupied by Giancarlo Stanton. Could the New York Yankees find a way to alternate between a young player and a veteran?

Jasson Dominguez’s extraordinary numbers and the New York Yankees’ dilemma 

In 19 minor league games, Dominguez is currently batting at an average of .380. What’s even more impressive is his OPS of 1.119. The Martian has exploded on opposition this season and that is great news for the Yankees. However, one can’t deny that Giancarlo Stanton’s 2024 is shaping up to be much better than his 2023. Though the star still isn’t completely consistent, he has proven to be a game-changer on more than one occasion.

And that is where the entire situation becomes a bit murky. The Yankees might not have space for Dominguez. Yes, Anthony Rizzo is struggling but Dominguez isn’t an infielder. The well-settled outfield of the Yankees makes things rather difficult for the Martian. And as Aaron Boone made it clear, Dominguez won’t be called up until he has an everyday role. So does that end this saga for now? Perhaps it can. But then there’s still a lot of season left – any injury to the outfield could lead to Dominguez’s comeback.