Jasson Dominguez is rated as the New York Yankees number one prospect. He signed the richest international contract ever at $5.1 million. He’s already being compared to Mike Trout, Bo Jackson and Mickey Mantle. And, here’s the catch, he’s only 17 years old. In fact, Dominguez turned 17 only three short weeks ago. Dominguez is only one of three New York Yankees prospects to appear on MLB’s top 100 prospect list.
The Martian
Jasson Dominguez is a bit of an enigma. Aside from a few videos of him smashing batting practice fastballs, there isn’t much else of him out there. He has yet to play in a single minor league game, and yet, his raw ability and athleticism have already propelled him up the MLB prospect charts. Scouts gush over his power and speed. The fact that he can play almost anywhere on the field makes him perhaps the most intriguing Latin prospect in the last decade.
Tool Grades
Hit: 60
Power: 70
Run: 70
Fielding: 60
Arm: 60
It’s obvious with all of his grades well above 50, the praise Dominguez is garnering as a five-tool player is very much warranted.
Projections
Dominguez has played catcher and shortstop, but he projects as a centerfielder. His range and cannon for an arm make him ideal for the position. He is set to make his debut in the Dominican Summer League in either May or June.
After the DSL, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Yankees send him to Rookie-Ball Advanced. It would be a big jump seeing as he’s only 17, but it’s not out of the question to think that he’d rise quickly through the system. The Yankees have a very small sample size to draw from. However, if Dominguez produces the way he is projected to, a jump to the Gulf Coast League in Tampa could happen sooner rather than later.
Perhaps the attribute scouts talk most about Dominguez is his drive. He wants to be great. Sure, the $5.1 million dollars the Yankees are paying him is great, but it’s not about the money for this kid. It was his work ethic and desire that gave the Yankees no choice but to pay him. At 5’10, 190 pounds, the switch-hitter has room to grow. If he holds on to his love of the game, the sky is literally the limit for Dominguez.
Future
The Yankees have a huge advantage with Dominguez: patience. His age will definitely allow them to bring him along slowly. Even if it takes him five years to make his MLB debut, he’ll still only be 22 years old. Obviously, there will be a few hiccups along the way. Being the number one prospect now means there’s nowhere to go but down. However, Dominguez is arguably the most intriguing New York Yankees prospect since Mantle himself. His debut will come with all of the pomp and circumstance the Yankees are known for and will no doubt be a national story. He is a true five-tool player and projects as a star. Yankee fans should be very excited about the future.
