
On WFAN’s BT and Sal show, Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone appeared for a radio interview and among the variety of topics discussed, the outfield alignment was brought up. Aaron Judge was expected to slot back into right field where he’s been one of the best defenders in the sport since his debut, but there was no certainty on who would play centerfield. It’s the natural position of Jasson Dominguez, who is considered a below-average route runner in the outfield, but left field at Yankee Stadium presents its own kinds of challenges as well.
Boone mentioned its likely that he’ll roll out with first-year Yankee Cody Bellinger at centerfield, where the former NL MVP has +10 DRS and +19 OAA across 4,015 innings of work in his MLB career. It moves Jasson Dominguez to left field, where he’ll have to adapt to and learn the tough dimensions of the Bronx.
Yankees Will Have Cody Bellinger in CF and Jasson Dominguez in LF

One of the reasons the Yankees were drawn to Cody Bellinger was because of his versatility, with his ability to play all three outfield spots and first base being valuable. His range and speed will be put to the test in centerfield, a premium defensive position, and it’ll allow the Yankees to have solid defenders up the middle. If they shift Jazz Chisholm to second base, they’ll be ensured that the most valuable defensive positions on the diamond are secured, and Bellinger can certainly provide the glove they’re looking for out there.
He’s put up +10 DRS and +19 OAA out there in his MLB career, and its the best way to optimize his skillset as a hitter who won’t finish in the top-10 in OPS, but could be a pretty valuable piece thanks to his all-around skills. An above-average baserunner, defender, and hitter who will play his home games at a ballpark that fits his skillset well, the Yankees are hoping that Cody Bellinger can provide some thump to a lineup that just lost Juan Soto this winter.
As for Jasson Dominguez, he’ll be tasked with learning left field, a position he struggled with at times last season.
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His natural position is centerfield, but Jasson Domiguez hasn’t shown that he’s an above-average defender out there at any pro level. He has the arm and the speed to cover ground and throw out runners, but his route running skills leave a lot to be desired, and the Yankees might prefer to throw him in left field since his defensive profile is more similar to Alex Verdugo’s in some respects. While Verdugo was a masterful routerunner, his lack of top-flight speed limited his overall range, but his arm made him extremely valuable out there.
Jasson Dominguez also has limited range, albeit for different reasons, but his strong arm should make him a competent enough option out there. Exposure to left field in the Bronx could help him develop some familiarity out there, as it seems to provide issues mostly for outfielders unfamiliar with the walls out there. The Yankees are also likely aware of the fact that Dominguez has a bit more refining to do at the Major League level, and if he’s going to pick up any position, left field would be the perfect one to lock down.
Since the retirement of Brett Gardner, the Yankees haven’t had a stable LF option, and they’re hoping the switch-hitting phenom can become their long term solution there.