The New York Yankees could trade a manner in which you would never expect.
New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez is in a rough spot heading into his second full big-league campaign in 2026.
Dominguez began last season as the Yankees' starting left fielder, but he was benched during the second half once it became clear this his defense was too poor to justify including him in the everyday lineup.
The 22-year-old was mostly disappointing at the plate, too, slashing .257/.331/.388 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI in spite of a relatively hot start.
Now, with New York re-signing Cody Bellinger on a five-year deal and bringing back Trent Grisham on a qualifying offer, Dominguez's role has been completely clouded.
Combine that with the fact that the Yankees also have Spencer Jones waiting in the wings, and Dominguez becomes somewhat expendable.
In fact, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com has revealed that New York could ultimately move Dominguez ... but for a relief pitcher.
"It stands to reason that the Yankees could dangle either Dominguez or Jones if they aim to complete another trade before Opening Day, potentially to upgrade their bullpen, which is presently anchored by David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz and Tim Hill," Hoch wrote.
New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez. Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images.Trading Dominguez for a bullpen arm would be one of the more depressing moves the Yanks could make given how highly-touted the Dominican native has been since arriving in the Yankees' system.
New York excluded Dominguez from trade talks for years, so the mere idea of Brian Cashman moving him for a reliever would be very surprising.
But it's not completely out of the realm of possibility.
The Yankees have made aggressive trades for relief pitchers before. Just last year, they moved impressive infield prospect Caleb Durbin to the Milwaukee Brewers in a deal that landed them Devin Williams.
Of course, Durbin is not quite on the same level as Dominguez as a talent, so it isn't an apples-to-apples comparison. But we would be kidding ourselves if we didn't acknowledge that Dominguez's value has dipped.
There was time when the switch-hitting outfielder was viewed as a five-tool player, but after watching him in left field last season, it became very clear that was never truly the case. And while Dominguez has flashed offensive potential, the pop that everyone anticipated simply hasn't been there. Not even in the minor leagues.
It's not at all shocking that Dominguez is a trade candidate considering there is no place for him to play. But seeing him potentially get dealt for a bullpen piece would certainly be one major bucket of ice water.
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