On a seemingly routine Monday, New York Yankees fans were treated to an unexpected sight: Jasson Dominguez, the electrifying outfield prospect nicknamed “The Martian,” was spotted taking grounders at first base during pregame workouts. The moment sparked a wave of curiosity and speculation across the Bronx and beyond, as fans and analysts alike began to ponder a bold new chapter for the young star’s career.
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Pregame warmups often feature quirky cross-positional drills—outfielders shagging flies in the infield, infielders roaming the grass for pop-ups. But Dominguez’s appearance at first base, coupled with veteran Paul Goldschmidt manning third base (a position he’s never played), felt like more than just a lighthearted exercise. While the session was clearly informal, it ignited imaginations about what could be next for the Yankees’ prized prospect.
Dominguez, long heralded for his offensive potential, has struggled to find his footing defensively in the outfield. Could this unconventional workout signal the Yankees’ willingness to rethink his role? For a team with a crowded outfield and lofty expectations, experimenting with Dominguez at first base could be the spark of a transformative idea.
At just 22 years old, Dominguez is a raw talent with jaw-dropping athleticism and a bat that promises to light up scoreboards. However, his defensive performance in the outfield has been a glaring weak point. Across 733 innings in 2025, Dominguez has posted -7 Defensive Runs Saved and -8 Outs Above Average—numbers that rank him among the league’s least effective outfielders.
It’s not for lack of effort or ability. Dominguez’s speed and agility are undeniable, but his routes to the ball are inconsistent, and his footwork often betrays his inexperience. The instincts required to excel in center or left field haven’t fully materialized, raising questions about whether he can stick in the outfield long-term. For a player whose bat is expected to carry him to stardom, finding a defensive home is critical to maximizing his value.
At first glance, Dominguez doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional first baseman. His compact, athletic frame is better suited to chasing fly balls than digging throws out of the dirt. Yet, the idea of transitioning him to first base is far from absurd. The position is often a haven for players whose offensive prowess overshadows their defensive struggles elsewhere. Think of it as a strategic repositioning—a way to keep Dominguez’s bat in the lineup while minimizing defensive liabilities.
For the Yankees, the move could unlock new lineup flexibility. With a crowded outfield featuring stars like Aaron Judge and a slew of emerging talents, finding at-bats for Dominguez could become a challenge in 2025 and beyond. Teaching him the nuances of first base could open doors to creative roster solutions, especially if veterans like Anthony Rizzo move on or injuries shake up the infield.
Let’s be clear: Dominguez isn’t trading his outfield glove for a first baseman’s mitt just yet. On Monday night, he was still penciled in as the Yankees’ starting left fielder against the Washington Nationals, a testament to his current role. The first-base reps were more of a playful experiment than a concrete plan for 2025. However, the fact that the Yankees allowed Dominguez to take grounders at first base suggests they’re open to exploring every avenue to maximize his potential.
Manager Aaron Boone, known for his willingness to think outside the box, could see this as a low-risk way to test Dominguez’s versatility. Even if first base doesn’t become his primary position, the experience could make him a more valuable asset, capable of filling multiple roles in a pinch.
Baseball history is full of players who found their true calling through unexpected positional shifts. From catchers turned first basemen to outfielders reinvented as infielders, a single practice session can sometimes plant the seed for a career-defining change. For Dominguez, this fleeting moment at first base could be the first step toward a new trajectory in pinstripes.
With the Yankees’ outfield projected to remain crowded in 2026, exploring Dominguez’s potential at first base makes strategic sense. His bat is too valuable to be sidelined, and his athleticism could help him adapt to the cold corner with time and practice. While “The Martian” may not be an everyday first baseman anytime soon, this small experiment could prove to be a pivotal moment in his journey to stardom.