The New York Yankees are once again under the microscope as their handling of Jasson Dominguez continues to baffle fans and analysts alike. If there was ever a time to sit Dominguez, it would have been against a left-handed starter, where he struggles more at the plate, and certainly not against right-handed pitchers where he’s shown tremendous potential. But instead of sticking to this straightforward logic, Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone continues to make decisions that raise more questions than answers.
Heading into the series opener against the San Diego Padres on Monday, Dominguez was inexplicably benched. This came on the heels of a disastrous Sunday game against the Tampa Bay Rays, where Boone fielded one of the weakest lineups in recent memory. Despite the Yankees falling apart in that game, Dominguez was brought in during a last-ditch attempt to salvage the game in the ninth inning, only to strike out to end the contest. It was a frustrating conclusion for fans, as it was yet another example of Boone’s confusing management style.
Fast forward to Tuesday night, and Dominguez found himself in the starting lineup once again. But this time, Boone decided to hit him cleanup against Michael King, one of the best pitchers in baseball with a 2.07 ERA. How does a player who’s been benched repeatedly against right-handed starters end up hitting cleanup against a top-tier pitcher? It was a decision that left fans scratching their heads, wondering if Boone truly understands how to maximize Dominguez’s talents.
The problem with this treatment is that Dominguez’s splits against right-handed pitchers are undeniable. Through the first part of the 2025 season, he’s posted a .307 average with an .845 OPS against righties. By contrast, veteran Cody Bellinger has struggled mightily, hitting just .169 with a .570 OPS against the same competition. So why, then, is Bellinger getting more consistent at-bats while Dominguez finds himself sitting out games against right-handed starters?
Dominguez’s situation has become even more puzzling when considering his role as the Yankees’ designated hitter (DH) in recent games. Shouldn’t the team be focusing on getting him as many reps as possible in the outfield, particularly in high-pressure situations? Whether Dominguez is considered a cornerstone player for the future or potential trade bait, developing his defensive skills is crucial. Yet, the Yankees seem to be prioritizing his bat over his overall growth, which is a questionable strategy at best.
When comparing Dominguez’s treatment to that of Anthony Volpe, the confusion only deepens. Volpe, despite struggling with consistency at shortstop, has been given a much longer leash. He’s been allowed to work through his issues in one of the most important positions on the field, missing just six games in his entire career. Dominguez, on the other hand, has already been sat for seven games this season in just the first 35 contests. The disparity in treatment has become a point of frustration for fans, especially when considering how much promise Dominguez has shown.
The issue goes beyond just player development; it’s about the Yankees’ ability to maximize their talent. Dominguez is the team’s most promising young hitter, yet Boone continues to sit him during some of the most crucial moments of the season. Meanwhile, Bellinger, who is struggling, continues to receive consistent playing time. The message being sent is clear: performance doesn’t necessarily dictate who gets to play, and that’s a troubling message for a team trying to remain competitive.
Another layer to this frustration is the fact that the Yankees have been spiraling. In their last 15 games, they’ve gone just 6-9, including a crushing number of losses when leading in the eighth inning or later. Their struggles are becoming harder to ignore, and the mismanagement of Dominguez only adds to the narrative of a team failing to meet expectations. If the Yankees are serious about turning things around, they need to put the best possible lineup on the field every night, and that means finding consistent at-bats for Jasson Dominguez against right-handed pitchers.
It’s not just the benchings that are perplexing, but also the high-leverage situations Boone places Dominguez in. In moments when the game is on the line, he’s thrust into pinch-hit spots or even the cleanup spot against elite pitchers. Is this the right way to develop a young player? Shouldn’t Dominguez be afforded more consistent opportunities to settle into his role, rather than being thrown into pressure situations without the proper rhythm?
At this point, it’s clear that the Yankees are mishandling one of their most talented young players. Whether it’s the inconsistent lineup decisions, the confusing use of him in various positions, or the lack of attention to his development in the outfield, Dominguez’s treatment under Aaron Boone’s watch is a problem. If the Yankees want to contend this season, they can’t afford to waste Dominguez’s potential by mishandling his playing time.
Dominguez’s future with the Yankees is still unclear. If he continues to be treated this way, it might lead to even more frustration and missed opportunities. Fans are starting to question the direction of this team, and it’s hard to ignore the fact that Boone’s decisions could have a lasting impact on the development of one of the Yankees’ most promising prospects in years.
The Yankees are at a crossroads, and how they handle Jasson Dominguez from here on out will be a significant factor in determining whether they can recover from their recent struggles. The team needs to stop playing games with their best players, and it’s time for Aaron Boone to make the right call when it comes to Dominguez—before it’s too late.