NEW YORK — As the Yankees push through a challenging stretch of the 2025 season, one of the most promising young players on their roster is under fire—not from opponents, but from their own fanbase.
Jasson Domínguez, the 22-year-old outfielder long hyped as the Yankees’ next superstar, has become the target of heavy criticism from some fans after a recent base-running blunder against the Boston Red Sox. The mistake—where Domínguez hesitated and failed to score from second—was described by one fan as “completely inexcusable,” with others calling him an “overhyped prospect.”
Behind the Noise, There’s Quiet Production
Despite the outcry, Domínguez is quietly posting one of the most productive rookie campaigns in the American League. Through late June, he holds a .253 batting average, a .341 on-base percentage, and a .737 OPS, alongside six home runs and 12 stolen bases. His 12.1% walk rate ranks among the top tier of rookies, highlighting advanced plate discipline that belies his age.
More impressive than the traditional stats are the underlying analytics. Domínguez ranks in the 85th percentile in sprint speed, showing off his elite base-running potential—even if execution needs polishing. His 49% hard-hit rate indicates that nearly half his balls in play are struck with force, a figure that rivals seasoned MLB sluggers.
Against right-handed pitching, the switch-hitter has been particularly effective, slashing .279/.435—an encouraging sign of his ability to handle big-league arms.
Growing Pains in the Field
It hasn’t all been smooth. Defensively, Domínguez has struggled at times in center field, recording –5 Outs Above Average (OAA), according to Statcast. Yankee Stadium’s cavernous outfield has proven tricky, but improvement has been visible. His reads have sharpened, his positioning more consistent, and his confidence rising with each game.
Defensive woes aside, many in the Yankees organization still believe in Domínguez’s long-term ceiling.
“His speed and power combination is rare,” one Yankees scout told ESM. “He’s adjusting quickly. What fans don’t see is the behind-the-scenes growth. He’s listening, learning, and he’s hungry.”
Why the Yankees Should Stay the Course
Calls to demote or trade Domínguez ignore the context of his development—and the impact he’s already making.
Empire Sports Media notes:
“Domínguez is a 22-year-old rookie with tremendous potential. He’s showing advanced metrics that suggest he’s not just serviceable—he’s laying the foundation for long-term success in the Bronx.”
In an era where prospects are often fast-tracked and just as quickly discarded, patience is a valuable commodity. Given Domínguez’s youth, plate discipline, raw tools, and upward trajectory, the Yankees may be better served developing their future cornerstone than seeking a short-term replacement.
Despite loud criticism, Jasson Domínguez is outperforming most rookie outfielders in key offensive metrics.
His elite speed, walk rate, and power potential make him a player worth investing in—despite the occasional growing pain.
For a Yankees team aiming to build a sustainable core, Domínguez may be more important than fans realize.