Yankees playing with their World Series dreams by not promoting Jasson Domínguez is a pressing concern among fans and analysts alike. On Sunday, the New York Yankees made their September call-up announcement at 10:21 a.m. local time, igniting a wave of anticipation. Reporters and loyal supporters quickly scanned the names, hoping to find Domínguez, the highly regarded prospect who many believe could significantly elevate the team’s chances in the postseason. However, he was absent from the list, prompting confusion and disappointment.
The Yankees chose to promote Duke Ellis, a player known more for his speed than his batting prowess, instead of the power-hitting Domínguez. Currently, Domínguez is thriving at Triple-A, boasting a .306 batting average with an impressive .828 OPS, including five home runs and 14 stolen bases in just 37 games this season. His recent performance has been particularly notable; since returning from an oblique injury, he has hit .359 with three home runs over the last two weeks.
This decision to keep Domínguez in the minors raises eyebrows, as it appears to undermine the Yankees’ commitment to fielding the strongest team possible. In a year where decisive actions are crucial for playoff contention, the Yankees seem to be playing it safe rather than taking the bold steps necessary to secure a championship run.
The reasons behind this choice are puzzling. One possible factor is the Yankees’ desire to protect the feelings of Alex Verdugo, who has struggled significantly this season. With a wRC+ of 83, Verdugo ranks at the bottom among major league left fielders and has had a lackluster .273 on-base percentage since June 1. Despite his poor performance, the Yankees seem hesitant to make a tough decision that could involve benching a veteran player.
Promoting Domínguez could have addressed the gap in the lineup, but it would require a difficult conversation with Verdugo, which the Yankees appear unwilling to have. This reluctance may stem from a desire to avoid admitting that trading for Verdugo was a misstep, especially since he is on a one-year contract and not part of the team’s long-term plans.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the situation, stating that Domínguez remains in the conversation for a call-up but emphasized the importance of regular playing time for the young player. Boone’s comments suggest that the organization is more focused on Domínguez’s development than on immediate team needs, which could be a miscalculation given the stakes of the current season.
The Yankees must consider the benefits of having Domínguez learn from established stars like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge during a critical pennant race. The experience gained from competing at the major league level could be invaluable, potentially outweighing the risks of a few struggles against top-tier pitching.
If the Yankees eventually call up Domínguez, it may be perceived as a response to mounting pressure from fans rather than a strategic decision. Furthermore, keeping his rookie status intact for the 2025 season could be a factor in the front office’s calculations, as it would allow the team to retain a potential star while also securing a favorable draft position if he performs well.
Another point of contention is the continued playing time of veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu, whose performance has not warranted such opportunities. With a dismal OPS+ of 49 and poor defensive metrics, LeMahieu’s presence in the lineup raises questions about the Yankees’ commitment to maximizing their chances of winning.
The Yankees seem to be overcomplicating a straightforward decision. If Domínguez is healthy and can contribute positively to the team, he should be on the roster. The potential benefits of his promotion far outweigh the risks, particularly in the context of a championship pursuit.
With only 25 regular-season games left and a division title on the line, the Yankees must act decisively. The current strategy of prioritizing sentiment over performance could jeopardize their aspirations for a World Series title.
