While the New York Yankees have been hinting all winter that top prospect Jasson Dominguez will get to prove himself this year, former MLB outfielder Cameron Maybin thinks it’s better to have a proven commodity in the lineup. He suggests the Yankees work out a deal out to send Dominguez to the Cleveland Guardians for three-time Gold Glover Steven Kwan.
“I may or may not have said this on X before, but I truly believe with the way the Guardians like to use their payroll and take advantage of controllable service time. Why not see if there's a package for Jasson Dominguez(?) For the Yankees (Kwan’s) ability to play gold glove defense and be a table setter would be the catalyst they need in front of Judge. Especially considering the guardians haven't tried to resign him yet! And yes I would trade Dominguez for Kwan,” Maybin posted on his X.com account.
Kwan is certainly a more proven player.
He’s hit .289/.359/.396 with a .755 OPS, 25 home runs and 52 stolen bases in three seasons in the big leagues. He is in the top 84th percentile in Fielding Run value and top 86th in Batting Run value, according to Baseball Savant. He has great range and a strong arm.
Kwan is due to make just over $4.1 million this season after avoiding arbitration with the Guardians. He is under team control through the 2027 season.
Dominguez, who will turn 22 in February, has been the Yankees' top prospect for a while now. He's path to the majors was derailed by a torn ulnar collateral ligament in late . Last year, Dominguez raked in the minors after rehab, but struggled when he finally got back to the big leagues.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman said this is the season for Dominguez to transition from prospect to producer.
Dominguez hit four home runs in his first eight games in the majors in September of 2023. The elbow injury, however, forced him to have Tommy John surgery. He didn’t get back to the majors until Sept. 9, 2024.
And then, he struggled.
Dominguez slashed .179/.313/.304 with just two homers, four RBI, and an OPS of .617 in 18 games. He also struggled on defense, playing left field. He misplayed routine fly balls and dropped balls that were expected outs.
