Yankees manager hypes return of top prospect: 'He's going to be a star'

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised top prospect Jasson Domínguez, outlining lofty expectations as the outfielder seeks to return from Tommy John surgery and make a lasting big league impact in 2024.

“We’re saying this summer,” Boone said of Domínguez’s return to the field during an appearance on “The Show.” “Obviously, with anyone, you’re not going to rush it, but we’re going to make sure he’s fully back and ready to play the field full time… He’ll get back with us I’m sure at some point this year.”

Domínguez had an impressive, albeit brief, major league debut in 2023, slashing .258/.404/.677 with four homers in 31 at-bats for the Yankees. That start, backed up by strong minor league numbers and an outstanding profile, has made him the Yankees’ second-ranked prospect. 

But a UCL injury that emerged in September required Tommy John surgery and the timeline for Domínguez’s return to the lineup has been in question.

“While Tommy John surgery can sideline a pitcher for 18 months, the timeline for recovery is much quicker for position players,” according to Sportsnaut. “NL MVP Bryce Harper underwent TJS and returned to the Philadelphia Phillies lineup 160 days later. It appears the Yankees’ emerging star could have a similar timetable for return.”

Speaking on “The Show,” Boone added that Domínguez’s rehab has gone “according to plan” and that the 20-year-old is “doing well.” And he heaped on the praise for a young player whose phenom potential has earned him a compelling nickname: “The Martian.”

“I think he’s going to be a star, I think he’s that good,” Boone said. “I think he likes being up here where it matters even more and there’s more eyeballs on you… The higher the league, probably the better it makes him… I think what we’re going to see is a really, really good player in this league.”

The Yankees have made several roster upgrades after a disappointing 2023 season that saw them miss the playoffs. On the mound, they’ve added All-Star Marcus Stroman and continue to seek bullpen depth. 

And on offense, newly acquired outfielder Juan Soto, one of the best hitters in the MLB, stands to have an MVP-caliber season hitting ahead of Aaron Judge. Upon his return, Domínguez should find himself somewhere in the middle of the Yankees lineup.