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By Aaliyan Mohammed
Contributing Sports Writer
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The New York Yankees outfield seems crowded right now with Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, Aaron Judge, Jasson Domínguez, and Spencer Jones looming.
However, after this season, things could get a little clearer. Judge and Bellinger are under contract to be back, but Grisham will be a free agent once again. However, what happens with Domínguez and Jones remains to be seen. Domínguez was once the Yankees' top prospect, but he is still trying to find his footing in the big leagues.
Although he had 429 at-bats last season, he still has not played much in his career. With Bellinger and Judge locked into the corners, what's the Yankees' plan with Domínguez? Bellinger can move around, but would the Yankees consider trying Domínguez in center field if Grisham leaves after next season? Aaron Boone did not rule it out.
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"I view him more in the corner," Boone said during an appearance on WFAN's "The Carton Show with Craig Carton & Chris McMonigle." "I'm not going to totally rule out center ever. Again, this is a young man that's really, really athletic and twitchy and fast and has all the physical attributes. I view him more as a corner guy, but I'd be foolish to rule him out as a potential center fielder."
Domínguez is only 22 years old, and Boone and Brian Cashman have emphasized the fact that he is still young and developing. He had his best season last year, but right now is not a better option than Grisham, Bellinger or Judge. This year could be similar to last season, but next year could present a clear path to starting.
His defense is not great, which is why a move from the corner to center field could be a shock. He was actually one of the worst defensive outfielders in baseball last season, posting a minus-nine outs above average. He has a terrific arm, but putting him in center field could be a disaster.
He has played 107 innings in center field in the big leagues, but last season spent all of his time in left field. It's no secret that he needs to develop, but the problem is now how he can do that with scarce playing time. Perhaps opening him up to play center field and be the center fielder of the future is a way to do that.
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