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The New York Yankees never lack intrigue, and Jasson Domínguez gave fans something new to talk about this week. Before last Monday’s matchup at Yankee Stadium, the 22-year-old outfielder was spotted taking pregame reps at first base, a sight that instantly sparked speculation about his future.

Domínguez has always played in the outfield or as the designated hitter, but for a brief period, he appeared to be a corner infielder. The rookie took throws at first base, showing quick hands and looking comfortable. The video spread fast online, and fans started to wonder if the Yankees have bigger plans for him.

A Glimpse Into the Yankees’ Thinking

It’s no secret the Yankees have been experimenting with defensive flexibility all season. Injuries and inconsistent performances have forced manager Aaron Boone to shuffle his lineup. Ben Rice has toggled between catcher and first base. Jose Caballero has bounced around the infield and outfield. Giancarlo Stanton, long relegated to DH duties, has returned to the grass in right field.

In that context, Domínguez’s first base cameo doesn’t look quite as random. The Yankees’ outfield remains crowded, with Aaron Judge, Stanton, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham all competing for playing time. Even when Domínguez has been healthy, carving out a permanent role has proven difficult.

Defensively, the “Martian” has struggled to find consistency. Advanced metrics show him at -7 Defensive Runs Saved and -8 Outs Above Average this season, numbers that make it tough to justify keeping him in the outfield daily. First base, while far from a defensive vacation, could give him a new path to staying in the lineup while keeping his bat active.

Goldschmidt’s presence at first blocks that option in the immediate future, but the veteran is approaching the end of his career in pinstripes. New York doesn’t have a long-term heir at the position, which makes the sight of Domínguez in a first baseman’s glove more than just a throwaway drill. It could be a peek into how the Yankees envision using their young star down the road.

Dominguez Plays It Cool

Of course, Domínguez himself downplayed the entire experiment. When a video of his first base reps appeared on Instagram, he responded with a simple caption: “Just for fun.” The relaxed tone suggested this wasn’t a major shift in planning but rather a lighthearted pregame exercise.

That hasn’t stopped fans and analysts from wondering whether the Yankees are testing the waters. Positional flexibility is becoming a hallmark of modern baseball. Players like Mookie Betts and Bellinger have extended their value by handling multiple spots on the field. If Domínguez can do the same, it might ensure his place in the Yankees’ long-term plans.

Offensively, Domínguez still flashes the potential that once made him one of baseball’s most hyped prospects. Through 2025, he’s posted a 102 wRC+ with 10 home runs and 21 stolen bases, along with improved plate discipline. The raw power, speed, and switch-hitting profile are still there—the challenge has always been finding a way to keep him on the field.

For now, the Yankees insist this was nothing more than a warmup wrinkle. But in a season full of ups and downs, where every possible edge is considered, watching Domínguez scoop throws at first base raised eyebrows for good reason. Whether it was just for fun or a sign of what’s to come, it added another layer of intrigue to the Yankees’ unpredictable year.

Alvin Garcia Born in Puerto Rico, Alvin Garcia is a sports writer for Heavy.com who focuses on MLB. His work has appeared on FanSided, LWOS, NewsBreak, Athlon Sports, and Yardbarker, covering mostly MLB. More about Alvin Garcia