The New York Yankees will look quite different heading into the 2025 season, particularly in the outfield. Manager Aaron Boone recently shared insights into the team’s outfield plans during an interview on WFAN 660, shedding light on key changes and decisions for the upcoming year.
One of the most significant moves involves Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ captain and one of baseball’s biggest stars, shifting back to his natural position in right field. Meanwhile, center field will be anchored by Cody Bellinger, a major offseason acquisition expected to provide both defensive stability and offensive firepower.
Jasson Domínguez Takes Over in Left Field
In left field, the Yankees are giving the starting job to Jasson Domínguez, one of their most highly regarded young talents. The 21-year-old, nicknamed “The Martian,” impressed in his brief stint last season, playing 13 games in left field across August and September. While his bat has been the focal point of his prospect status, questions remain about his defensive capabilities.
Domínguez is a natural center fielder, so transitioning to left field comes with its challenges. The Yankees saw some defensive struggles from him last year, which may have contributed to their decision to start Alex Verdugo in left field during the 2024 postseason. Verdugo’s defensive skill set made him the more reliable option at the time, whereas Domínguez had a few notable lapses that raised concerns about his readiness to handle left field consistently at the major league level.
Defensive Considerations
Yankee Stadium’s left field presents its own set of challenges, especially for a young player still adjusting to the big leagues. The team could have opted to place Bellinger in left, given his eight years of experience playing all three outfield positions, but they appear committed to Domínguez developing in the spot. This decision is likely influenced by Bellinger’s uncertain long-term future with the team, as his contract situation beyond 2025 remains unresolved. By keeping Domínguez in left, the Yankees give their top prospect the chance to settle into an everyday role without forcing him into another position change down the road.
Secondary Outfield Options
Beyond the starting trio of Judge, Bellinger, and Domínguez, Boone acknowledged that the Yankees have additional outfield depth to rely on if needed. One name to watch is Everson Pereira, another promising young outfielder. The 23-year-old is expected to be fully healthy for the 2025 season after undergoing UCL surgery in June 2024.
Pereira made his major league debut in 2023, though his first stint in the big leagues was a struggle, as he posted a .151/.233/.194 slash line over 27 games. Despite that rough start, the Yankees remain high on his potential. While Pereira isn’t expected to be the team’s primary fourth outfielder—that role belongs to Trent Grisham—he could earn another shot at the major league roster if he performs well in spring training or if injuries create an opportunity.
The Yankees’ Outfield Outlook
Despite some lingering uncertainty in left field, the Yankees’ outfield appears to be in a strong position heading into the season. Judge remains one of the best all-around players in baseball, and Bellinger, a former MVP and Gold Glove winner, brings both offensive production and defensive reliability to center field.
The biggest question mark is Domínguez’s ability to adjust to left field and improve defensively. If he makes strides in that area while continuing to show promise at the plate, the Yankees could have a long-term solution in left. Even if there are growing pains, Bellinger’s presence in center provides a safety net, giving the team confidence that the overall outfield defense will remain solid.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Domínguez’s development, Pereira’s potential resurgence, and how the Yankees’ outfield unit comes together. If everything falls into place, New York could once again boast one of the best outfields in all of baseball.
