Jasson Dominguez is turning his growing pains into Yankees confidence

Jasson Domínguez’s play in his first full season in the big leagues has not exactly been otherworldly. 

The Yankees don’t need it to be just yet, but they will take the steady production the Martian has provided them nearly halfway through the season as he tries to put his flashy tools into action — particularly with some encouraging strides he has made from his early weaknesses. 

The 22-year-old Domínguez entered Thursday’s off day batting .253 with a .738 OPS and a team-high 12 steals.

There may be more thump in his bat that he has yet to show — it has been more than a month since he last homered — but he has found a way to be productive in the interim. 

“I’ve just been pleased … he’s quietly been really solid for us,” manager Aaron Boone said after Domínguez recorded his first career four-hit game in Wednesday’s 7-1 win over the Reds. 

“He hasn’t lit the world on fire yet. But I think we would all acknowledge he gives you good at-bats every day he’s in there. You see the real speed and athleticism. I feel like he’s doing a good job in the running game, too. And I’m really excited about his growth in left field.” 

Jasson Domínguez’s power has been lacking so far this year.

That was among the biggest concerns with Domínguez entering the season as he made the full-time move from center to left field following a rough spring.

There has still been some breath-holding whenever the ball is hit to left field, but Domínguez has generally become more serviceable there 80 games into the season. 

The Yankees were willing to deal with Domínguez’s growing pains in left field because of the impact he could make in the lineup.

Except the switch-hitter was a liability early in the season from the right side, starting the year batting 3-for-36 (.083) with a .381 OPS and 16 strikeouts against left-handers through May 5.

Since then, though, he has hit 11-for-34 (.324) with a .856 OPS and seven strikeouts against lefties. 

That included two hits against southpaws Wednesday. 

Jasson Domínguez has made strides this year as a baserunner.

“I’ve been taking better at-bats from the right side,” Domínguez said. “I feel like I’m getting better. … I think the more you practice it and the more reps you get, the better you’re going to be at it.” 

The Yankees do not have a right-handed hitting complement to Domínguez in left field, and whether they add one by the trade deadline remains to be seen.

But if the rookie can keep building on his recent success against lefties, that may become less of a need.

As part of the Yankees’ ongoing outfield rotation, Boone has tried to get him in the lineup against righties, as well as lefties with more neutral splits, which appears to be working of late. 

Because in 171 plate appearances as a left-handed bat, Domínguez has had a strong season. He is batting .279 with a .798 OPS and five of his six home runs have come against right-handers. 

“I still maintain the right side, he’ll get there,” Boone said. “It’s an experience/rep thing. He controls the zone equally from the right side. I just think it’s reps, experience. When it boils down to it, it’s his natural side. That said, I think he’s been very good left-handed. 

“He’s a young player still that’s inexperienced and has very much held his own. He gives you a real quality at-bat.” 

Jasson Domínguez fields a fly ball during the Yankees-Orioles game on June 21, 2025.

There have still been occasional hiccups for Domínguez, like when he lost track of strikes and was picked off between second and third to end a rally in Boston earlier this month.

But the Yankees like how the once-ballyhooed prospect has handled all the ups and downs while putting in the work to get better. 

“I’ve been really impressed with his ability to make adjustments, especially for a young guy,” Max Fried said. 

“He seems very confident out there now,” Jazz Chisholm Jr. said. “I feel like from now on, you’re going to see a different part of the Martian. He’s going to be a big league player for the rest of his life, and he’s only 22? I think he’s special.” 

As for that power drought, Domínguez nearly snapped it Wednesday, but instead settled for a double off the center field wall. His last home run was a walk-off against the Rangers on May 21. 

“The other day, I was like, ‘I haven’t hit a homer in a while,’ ” Domínguez said. “[But] I don’t go, ‘I want to hit a homer.’ I try to have a good at-bat, get on base for my teammates. I know at some point it’s going to come.”