Yankees Could Make Surprising Move to Replace Jasson Dominguez

It has become increasingly obvious that the New York Yankees are not at all satisfied with the progression of Jasson Dominguez, which is why they are searching for a fourth outfielder and are apparently planning to send him to Triple-A.

The Yankees have already offered a $1 million contract to Austin Slater, who was acquire by New York at last season's trade deadline and is now a free agent.

But there is another available outfielder who would almost certainly represent a better pickup than Slater: Mike Tauchman.

Yankees fans are very familiar with Tauchman, who dazzled with his brilliant defense in parts of three seasons in the Bronx between 2019 and 2021.

Yes, he is a left-handed bat, and New York seems to want a righty to combat its lefty-heavy lineup, but Tauchman has actually lefties better than righties throughout his career, so does his handedness really matter?

What we do know about Tauchman is that he is a terrific defender with great discipline. Last year with the Chicago White Sox, the 35-year-old hit .263 with a .356 OBP. He also owns a lifetime .246/.347/.380 slash line.

Sure, the power isn't really there, but his lifetime 12.6 percent walk rate is impressive and would definitely benefit the Yanks.

Now, it should be noted that Tauchman has declined quite a bit in the field. He is still good, as evidenced by his plus-3 DRS in 2025, but gone are the days where the Palatine, Il. native looked like absolute gazelle at all three outfield positions.

Tauchman is mostly limited to the corners these days, and that's perfectly fine. The Yankees aren't looking for a center fielder; they are just looking for an outfielder who can come off the bench and give Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham and Aaron Judge rest days. Plus, Dominguez is a left fielder as it is.

It seems odd that Tauchman is still available this late into free agency given the fact that he managed a very respectable .756 OPS over 385 plate appearances last season (and with virtually no protection in that White Sox lineup, mind you).

Perhaps the former Colorado Rockies draft pick is asking for a bit too much money, which would obviously be an issue for a Yankees club that is staunchly monitoring its payroll at the moment. Even giving Paul Goldschmidt $4 million was a lot.

But if Tauchman is willing to come down on his price for a New York reunion, it's something the Yankees should absolutely consider.

Yankees Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Yankees. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.