Yankees' young slugger named potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026

Jared Bloom

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Yankees' young slugger named potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026 image

Being a team like the New York Yankees, you have to work with what you can get. They have not had many low draft picks over their history, so they must work extra hard through the draft process and signing international players. 

That is just what they did when they signed Jasson Dominguez as an international free agent in 2019. Fans were quick to point out his large stature and power, comparing him to their own Aaron Judge. 

However, he would only get a handful of games at the big league level in 2023 and 2024. Last season, he would go on to play in 123 games, showing large improvements both offensively and defensively. 

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Yankees' young slugger named potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026 

Jasson Dominguez is just 22 years old, so the switch-hitter is still developing. He lost critical development time when he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023, but could be in store for a big season in 2026. 

MLB.com's Bryan Hoch lists Dominguez as the Bronx's breakout candidate for the 2026 season. 

"He went to winter ball to focus on sharpening his defense in left field and his swing from the right side of the plate, which is his natural side. It would be no surprise if Dominguez's blend of speed and strength all comes together in a big way."

Hoch explains that Dominguez has been playing in the Dominican Winter League with Leones del Escogido, sharpening both his offensive and defensive skills. He could come into Spring Training more ready than ever before.

That, combined with his potential on the baseball field, could pay off in a big way. While fans have been waiting for him to become a force on the roster, this upcoming season could be one that makes the fanbase extremely happy.

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Editorial Team