The long saga of negotiations between Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees has finally ended after months and months of negotiations. Bellinger’s deal, announced on Wednesday, spans 5 years and is worth $162.5 million. The Yankees are certainly happy to retain Bellinger, who was one of their most valuable players both on offense and in the field last year. Someone who probably isn’t too happy, however, is Jasson Domínguez.
Yankees’ Reunion With Bellinger Spells Bad News For Former Top Prospect
With Trent Grisham also returning on the qualifying offer, New York is running back the same set of outfielders from last season. Bellinger, who took over primary duties in left field once Grisham earned the center field job, is all but guaranteed to return to left. That leaves the 22-year-old Domínguez, who began last season as the starting left fielder, with virtually no place to go.
Back On The Bench
Sure, when he was in the lineup, Domínguez was not the pulverizing prospect that scouts promised him to be. After all, for a rookie touted as “the Martian”, a .257/.331/.388 slash line isn’t all that impressive. However, it’s important to remember that even (most) superstars need time to develop, even as they enter the Major Leagues. The thing is, though, that most of these superstars improve through experience and consistent playing time. Domínguez has had neither in his young career.
Letting a veteran take the reins while the younger player, who is more dynamic but less experienced, is usually good for teams in the short term, but it has serious ramifications for the young player down the line. With Bellinger coming back to the Bronx, Domínguez now faces another year of sitting on the bench and starting just a handful of games. This will not only slow his growth but may even dent his potential.
Uneven Splits
It’s also important to note that Domínguez actually put up solid numbers last year, at least at the plate (his defensive skills could certainly use improvement). Besides his .719 OPS (101 OPS+), the Martian hit 10 homers and drove in 47 runs, also stealing 23 bases, which was 3rd amongst all qualified rookies. The caveat is that he hits much better against right-handed pitching, with an OPS well below .600 against southpaws.
Of course, even if he became a more well-rounded switch-hitter, numbers like those aren’t very good in comparison to Bellinger’s production and fielding prowess. But the fact remains that Domínguez still has significant potential and does not deserve to ride the bench for another year.
Maybe Next Year
The good news for him, if there is any, is that there should be only one more year before he finally becomes a full-time starter. The Yankees will almost certainly avoid re-signing Trent Grisham again (barring another monster campaign), so that will open up a spot in the outfield besides Bellinger and Aaron Judge. And of course, there are the inevitable injuries that will arise, which could also give Domínguez a chance to show the Yankees’ front office that he deserves to start. There’s no way of telling how a player’s season will go, but unfortunately for Domínguez, it looks like he won’t be getting his shot just yet.
Main Photo Credits: John Jones-Imagn Images
