How Blue Jays' free agent could be key to Yankees playing time for Jasson Dominguez, Spencer Jones

Billy Heyen

How Blue Jays' free agent could be key to Yankees playing time for Jasson Dominguez, Spencer Jones image

The New York Yankees have two young outfielders who could both use some more playing time: Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones.

They could be counting on the Toronto Blue Jays to create the space for them to shine.

The key is a Blue Jays free agent, Bo Bichette, who has been linked to Toronto, Boston and Philadelphia in addition to more recent rumors involving the Yankees.

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If Bichette signed in the Bronx, it would likely mean they're letting Cody Bellinger go elsewhere. And if they let Bellinger leave, there's room in the outfield.

"Even with a significant gap in their talks with Bellinger, a reunion with the outfielder remains possible for the Yankees," MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan wrote on Wednesday. "However, a Bichette deal would probably shut that door permanently -- and perhaps cement Jasson Domínguez as the team’s starting left fielder heading into camp. The Yankees could also explore the trade market for an outfielder, but with limited options available and Bichette covering the team’s need for a big bat, New York might be comfortable turning left field over to Domínguez."

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The switch-hitting Dominguez has been a known name as a top prospect for a long time, but he still has taken less than 600 plate appearances in the major leagues.

Dominguez has flashed his talent, for sure, but he could also use a full runway to display that potential.

The 6-foot-7 Jones hasn't made his MLB debut, but he's a top-100 prospect with a lot of power (paired with some strikeout potential).

The Yankees don't have a ton of room on the infield for Bichette, either, so this is really just a logjam all around. But it's something they can at least start to figure out by deciding which free agent they think they want to, and can, end up with.

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Staff Writer