The New York Yankees may finally be ready to do the unthinkable: put Jasson Domínguez on the trade block.
For years, Domínguez has been treated as untouchable in trade talks, a crown jewel of the system billed as “The Martian” and the future face of the franchise. But as the 2025 season winds down, a growing sense is emerging that the Yankees might be willing to listen this winter.
From Untouchable to Expendable
Jon Heyman of the New York Post shook Yankee Universe this week by labeling Domínguez as a “realistic offseason trade candidate.” His reasoning was blunt: top prospect Spencer Jones is nearly ready, and Domínguez has “disappointed defensively.”
The numbers back that up. While Domínguez’s bat hasn’t completely cratered, his .257/.330/.386 slash line over 389 plate appearances hardly screams “cornerstone.” Additionally, he has lost playing time in recent months to Trent Grisham, who has quietly earned a larger role. Grisham will hit free agency after the season, along with Cody Bellinger, but the Yankees may already be looking at Jones as the next man up.
Jones, who has launched 31 combined home runs at Double-A and Triple-A this year, offers left-handed thunder with a glove scouts believe is superior to Domínguez’s. If the Yankees think Jones can handle center or left field full-time, it leaves Domínguez without a clear role.
The real red flag comes on defense. According to Statcast and FanGraphs, Domínguez’s play in left field has been a problem in 2025. He’s logged 724 innings in left, producing a brutal -9 Outs Above Average and -7 Defensive Runs Saved. His overall fielding value this season sits at -7.3 runs by FanGraphs’ calculation. That places him in just the 3rd percentile among outfield defenders.
Defense Creates the Dilemma
Even the surface-level stats reveal the same story. Domínguez’s fielding percentage in left has improved from .957 in 2024 to .988 this year, but advanced metrics tell the truth: the errors are less damaging than his poor range. His Range Runs (RngR) checked in at -4 for the season, with a UZR/150 of -19.3. Simply put, balls are dropping in where they shouldn’t.
That deficiency stings all the more because the Yankees have suffered plenty of defensive miscues in recent years. After seeing postseason dreams cut short by sloppy defense, the front office may not be willing to gamble again.
If the Yankees dangle Domínguez, the market would be fierce. He’s only 23, he still posts elite exit velocities, runs well, and has legitimate five-tool upside if he refines his glove work. Teams would view him as a post-hype breakout candidate, similar to how the Braves once sold high on Cristian Pache to land Matt Olson.
For the Yankees, the question becomes one of timing. Do they stick with the dream of Domínguez fulfilling his “Martian” billing in pinstripes, or do they cash in for proven major-league talent to patch roster holes? With Spencer Jones on the rise and Aaron Judge locked in long-term, Domínguez may be the odd man out.
Heyman’s comments are far from a guarantee, but they open the door to a conversation Yankee fans never thought they’d have. After years of being the protected future, Jasson Domínguez might soon become the key to reshaping the Yankees’ present.
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