The New York Yankees are generally always active at the MLB trade deadline, and this summer should not be any different. The Yankees definitely have some holes to fill, and it would be surprising if they didn’t make a couple of aggressive moves in the coming weeks.
The problem, of course, is whether or not New York has the goods to be able to land some of the very top players on the trade market. While the Yanks have some very impressive prospects, they don’t have a ton of depth in their farm system, which could result in the Yankees having to bite the bullet if they really, really want to swing a blockbuster deal.
However, Alexander Wilson of Empire Sports Media is warning the Pinstripes to avoid trading one player in particular: outfielder Jasson Dominguez.
“There’s been some noise about Dominguez as a potential trade piece, but that argument ignores the long-term value he’s already creating,” Wilson wrote. “The Yankees would be making a major mistake flipping a switch-hitting, 22-year-old outfielder with power, speed, and high OBP potential.”
Dominguez has been considered untouchable for the longest time in New York’s farm system, so it’s hard to imagine the Yankees moving now that he finally has an everyday place on their big-league roster.
The former top prospect is slashing .253/.341/.396 with six home runs and 27 RBI over 252 plate appearances this season, stealing 12 bases in 13 attempts. Yes, he is an absolute adventure in left field, as evidenced by his minus-5 DRS, but his offensive potential is clear as day.
There is no doubt that rival teams will inquire about Dominguez between now and July 31. New York will likely be attempting to make some significant moves, and Dominguez’s name will surface in trade talks. That doesn’t mean the Yanks will actually move the youngster, of course.
The Yankees seem more likely to part ways with Spencer Jones — another young outfielder in New York’s system — than Dominguez, who has already proven he can produce on the major-league level. The chances of Brian Cashman actually jettisoning Dominguez seem incredibly slim.