Rumors pertaining to the New York Yankees before to the MLB trade deadline have indicated the team’s complete desire to be active buyers this summer. The Yankees are among the best teams in baseball already, but they may become even better with a big trade involving one of their prospects.
Relief pitchers and corner infielders are New York’s main trade targets in July. The Yankees are looking for relief pitchers with strong swing-and-miss stuff and high strikeout rates in order to bolster their bullpen. Finding a first baseman or third baseman would give the team more alternatives when it comes to replacing Anthony Rizzo.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that even if the Yankees were able to acquire an impact player in exchange for Dominguez this summer, they would not entertain the idea. Rather, New York is hopeful that Dominguez is prepared to take the field on Opening Day of the following season and earn a starting position.
“Dominguez and Jones, who at 19 are playing at a very young level, are the Yankees’ most protected prospects, according to two evaluators. Shortstop George Lombard, last year’s first-round selection, is ranked somewhat lower. People thought there were more trades available for the remainder of the system.
It appears that Dominguez will miss much of the 2024 campaign. Dominguez most recently sustained an oblique injury that put him on the injured list. Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated on July 10 that Dominguez “still has a ways to go” before he can make a comeback.
In his MLB debut in 2023, the 21-year-old outfielder slashed.258/.303/.677. Despite having a below-average OBP and striking out in 24.2% of plate appearances, Dominguez hit 4 home runs in 40 plate appearances while playing for the Yankees.
In 2025, Dominguez will probably start the season at Triple-A if he stays in New York. It is extremely likely that he will be called up in early May 2025 if he can demonstrate that he can manage pitching at the level and maintains his health.
Regarding the MLB trade deadline in 2024, several of the Yankees’ best prospects are reportedly still up for grabs. Although retaining Jones and Dominguez probably eliminates New York from consideration for All-Star closer Mason Miller, the Yankees can still acquire a number of strong trade candidates.