3 reasons why the Yankees are not promoting Jasson Dominguez to the big leagues

With September call-ups underway, Major League teams like the New York Yankees have begun filling their roster gaps and adding depth to improve their chances for the rest of the season. However, when the Yankees announced their call-up choices on Sunday, many were not happy.

Instead of opting for top prospect Jasson Dominguez, the Yankees decided to recall outfielder Duke Ellis from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on Sunday instead. However, the Bronx Bombers might not have entirely given up on Dominguez just yet.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone discussed why Jasson Domínguez was not called up (via Fox Sports):

"Certainly in the conversation. Will remain in the conversation moving forward. When he comes up here, you're going to want to play him every day. So, he'll continue to remain in that conversation.

"I feel like he's, over the last couple of weeks, starting to play well, coming back from the oblique injury. So, tough call right now. But, doesn't mean that doesn't change in a couple days, in a week, in two weeks, whatever it is. But, important for him to continue to play right now."

Although Jasson Domínguez had a solid performance in the minors, there could still be three reasons why the Yankees might not promote him anytime soon.

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Three reasons why the Yankees are not promoting Jasson Dominguez

#1 Yankees’ extra draft-pick implications

The New York Yankees could be waiting to call up Jasson Domínguez later this month for strategic reasons. As noted by MLB’s Bryan Hoch, Domínguez will retain his rookie status for the 2025 season if he doesn't exceed 130 career at-bats.

If the young outfielder goes on to win the 2025 American League Rookie of the Year Award, the Bronx Bombers could earn an extra draft pick after the first round in the 2026 season.

#2 Alex Verdugo’s short-term contract

Alex Verdugo was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees in December last year. The 28-year-old is on a one-year contract with the Yankees, which may be another reason for them to avoid promoting Jasson Domínguez despite Verdugo's struggles.

The slugging outfielder has maintained a .234 batting average in the 2024 season. Replacing Verdugo, a veteran player who will be a free agent after the 2024 season, could imply that acquiring him was a mistake.

#3 Promote Jasson Dominguez at a crucial time

Jasson Domínguez made his major league debut with the New York Yankees on September 1, 2023. However, after a few games, he was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament, which ended his season early.

This time, the Yankees, who are in a tight competition with the Baltimore Orioles for the AL East lead, might be waiting for a more crucial moment to call up Domínguez.

He missed the start of the 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery and later suffered an oblique injury. Despite these setbacks, the 21-year-old has played 51 games in the minors, hitting .313 with nine home runs and 15 stolen bases.