Joel Sherman of the New York Post on the New York Post Sports podcast yesterday discussed what the Yankees’ signing of right-handed hitting outfielder Randal Grichuk means for young Yankees outfielders Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones.
Sherman stated that Grichuk, a corner outfielder, would play left field for the Yankees if he makes the team, and that this would mean both Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones would begin the season in Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, according to Sherman.
Sherman Thinks Grichuk Will Make Yankees Roster
Sherman added that he thinks it’s likely Grichuk makes the Yankees Opening Day roster as long as he remains healthy in Spring Training. This logistical scenario outlined by Sherman means Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones would have everyday outfield reps and at-bats until an injury or underperformance in the Yankees’ outfield depth chart opens up an opportunity.
The Yankees currently have a crowded starting outfield, especially with the re-signing of left fielder Cody Bellinger. Grichuk is 34 and is at a point in his career where he can adopt a part-time bench/platoon role. Dominguez and Jones, on the other hand, have their strengths and weaknesses, but each has something they must work on to be successful big league players long term.
Spencer Jones Needs To Cut Down On The Swing And Miss
For Jones, it’s cutting down on the strikeouts, in which he has a 32.5% average strikeout rate in four minor league seasons, according to Baseball America. While Jones has plenty of power, hitting 35 home runs last year between Double A and Triple A, he’ll need to contain the swing and miss to a certain level in the future if he wants to be a more consistent power hitter in the big leagues one day. Baseball America also stated that at times Jones strikes out over 40 percent of the time, citing his 42.3% strikeout rate in August last season, according to Baseball America.
GettyTAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Spencer Jones #78 of the New York Yankees poses for a photo during New York Yankees Photo Day at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 17, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Jasson Dominguez Is Talented But Needs To Work On Defense
As for Jasson Dominguez, he has great sprint speed and has shown flashes with the bat in his limited big league action. He’s posted strong numbers previously in Triple-A offensively, but his outfield defense is still in question. Dominguez needs everyday reps in left field, and he needs everyday at-bats as a switch-hitter. Dominguez struggled against left-handed pitching, posting just a .569 OPS in 93 at-bats in 2025 against them, according to StatMuse.
GettyTAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Jasson Dominguez #24 of the New York Yankees poses for a photo during New York Yankees Photo Day at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 17, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Then, when you look at the Yankees’ current starting outfield, Cody Bellinger put up arguably one of his best seasons last year with a 5.1 WAR (wins above replacement), hitting 29 home runs and playing elite defense. Trent Grisham, who accepted the Yankees’ one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer this past offseason, had a breakout season himself in 2025, hitting a career high 34 home runs with an .812 OPS. Then you have Aaron Judge in right field, where his all-around greatness is self-explanatory.
The Yankees have Giancarlo Stanton currently slotted in as their everyday DH, and Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported that Stanton’s tennis elbow in both elbows, dating back to last offseason, is something “he’ll have to continue to manage the rest of his career”, states Kirschner. Adding the fact that Stanton hasn’t appeared in over 120 games dating back to 2021, regular at-bats on this Yankees team for Dominguez or Jones should open up at some point.
Until then, both of these players need to continue to make strides in improving their baseball skills, and since it’s a 162-game season, opportunities should arise, with or without Randal Grichuk in the outfield mix.
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