The New York Yankees are entering one of their busiest offseasons in recent memory, facing a critical crossroads as they look to retool and keep pace in the ever-competitive American League East. With a number of roster spots to fill, one of the biggest storylines revolves around locking up superstar slugger Juan Soto for the long term, while addressing some key weaknesses in the lineup and outfield. Arguably the most urgent task at hand is finding a reliable replacement for Alex Verdugo in left field.
Evaluating Verdugo’s Departure
Acquired from the Boston Red Sox ahead of the 2024 season in a trade that sent several pitching prospects the other way, Alex Verdugo was expected to be a stabilizing force in the Yankees’ outfield. However, his performance didn’t meet expectations. Over 149 games, the 28-year-old posted a lackluster .233/.291/.356 slash line, hitting just 13 home runs and driving in 61 RBIs. His 83 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus) suggested he was 17% below league-average offensively, leaving a lot to be desired at the plate.
While Verdugo remained solid defensively, he was brought to the Bronx to provide more than just glove work. His underwhelming offensive production left the Yankees with a decision to make, and now, they’re looking to move forward with a new plan for left field. The departure of Verdugo opens up an important spot, one that could be filled by one of the team’s top prospects.
Jasson Dominguez’s Opportunity in Left Field
The Yankees’ internal solution for replacing Verdugo appears to be rising star Jasson Dominguez. The 21-year-old outfielder, who had a cup of coffee in the majors last season, is expected to be given every opportunity to take over the left field job. Dominguez’s potential is well-documented; he’s a dynamic talent who has drawn comparisons to some of the best young players in the game.
In 2024, Dominguez appeared in 18 games with the Yankees, slashing .179/.313/.304 with two home runs, four RBIs, and five stolen bases. While his debut was far from earth-shattering, the potential was clearly there. Now, with a full offseason to prepare and more experience under his belt, Dominguez is expected to take a significant step forward.
“We’re gonna see what’s in front of us,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said recently. “Dominguez is in position to potentially take a spot, then compare that to what else is available to us too.”
The fact that Cashman is so high on Dominguez is telling. Despite a modest start to his major league career, the front office believes Dominguez is ready for a more prominent role in 2025. And with Soto’s potential departure looming (as he heads into his final year of arbitration), the Yankees will need to rely on Dominguez’s development as part of their long-term vision.
Dominguez’s Path to a Starting Role
Looking ahead, projections are optimistic for Dominguez in 2025. MLB.com’s early forecast has the young outfielder hitting .249/.326/.417 with 20 home runs, 66 RBIs, and an impressive 112 wRC+. If Dominguez can meet or exceed these numbers, he would already be an improvement over Verdugo’s lackluster 2024 campaign, particularly in the power department.
Even if Dominguez’s defense takes time to catch up to his bat (which is expected given his relative inexperience), his offensive upside is enough to give him a legitimate shot at an everyday role. If the Yankees feel confident in Dominguez’s ability to handle the left field job, they could shift him to right field should Soto leave in free agency, further opening up new opportunities for a revamped outfield.
A Powerful Outfield Trio: Judge, Soto, and Dominguez
If all goes according to plan, the Yankees’ outfield in 2025 could be something truly special. With Aaron Judge in right, Soto in left (for now), and Dominguez in center, the Yankees would feature one of the most potent outfield trios in all of Major League Baseball. Judge, the reigning AL MVP, remains one of the game’s most feared hitters, while Soto’s elite on-base skills and power bat make him a perfect complement to the Yankees’ offense.
Should Dominguez continue to develop as expected, he could form a dynamic trio alongside Judge and Soto that would give opposing pitchers nightmares. Not only would this represent a fearsome offensive force, but it would also provide a boost in terms of cost control. As Dominguez enters his arbitration years, the Yankees would be able to manage payroll more effectively, particularly as they potentially lock in Soto for the long haul.
The Juan Soto Extension Looms Large
Speaking of Soto, the Yankees’ biggest offseason priority remains locking up the 25-year-old superstar long-term. A deal for Soto could very well exceed $600 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in baseball history. But if the Yankees want to make that kind of investment, they’ll need to ensure their roster is well-rounded and capable of competing for championships in the coming years.
That’s why filling out the rest of the roster—particularly in the outfield and at other key positions—will be critical. Whether it’s Dominguez taking the next step, or the Yankees exploring trade options or free-agent signings to round out the lineup, the team will need to balance star power with emerging talent if they hope to stay competitive.
Looking Ahead: The Yankees’ Championship Pursuit
In the end, the Yankees’ offseason moves will have a major impact on their ability to compete for a World Series. The outfield is a critical area, and filling the void left by Verdugo with either Dominguez or a new acquisition could play a pivotal role in their success. The infusion of youth and energy, combined with established stars like Judge and Soto (assuming they get that extension done), could be the perfect formula for the team’s next championship push.
The Yankees have a fine line to walk this offseason—build for the present while preparing for the future. A new-look outfield could be the key to that balance, and if Dominguez proves ready for primetime, the Yankees will have a potent and cost-controlled trio for years to come. If the Yankees can make smart decisions this winter, they’ll set themselves up for a promising 2025 campaign and beyond.
