Jasson Dominguez among Yankees starting in spring training opener

Saturday may be a day that Yankees prospect Jasson Dominguez looks back on and remembers for years to come. The prospect will be in the starting lineup for the Yankees when they play their spring training opener against the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater, Florida.

Dominguez had a meteoric rise through the minors last season and this will be his first chance to show Yankees management just how far he’s come in his career at just 20 years old. He has already received praise from manager Aaron Boone and the quick jump from Florida State League all the way up to Double-A has potentially moved up the timeline for him to eventually make it to the majors.

The outfielder making it onto the Yankees roster out of camp would be highly unlikely, but the buzz over Dominguez is real.

“I’m excited about the guys knocking on the door now,” Aaron Boone told reporters in Florida on Thursday. “Like the Volpes and the Perazas and the Dominguez. … These guys are now either getting towards that upper level of the minor leagues or fighting for some playing time even at the big leagues now. That’s exciting to kind of see that next wave coming through.”

Dominguez hit .273 with a .837 OPS and 37 stolen bases in 120 games across the minor leagues last season and could very well start the year in Double-A Somerset this year. Many had thought he wouldn’t make it to the majors until 2025, but he could be seen in the Bronx in 2024 if his development continues the way it is.

The outfielder is entering the season as Baseball America’s No. 67 prospect.

“He had an exciting year last year,” Boone said earlier this week. “He went from A-ball down here in the Florida State League to High-A then to Double-A. Every step of the way, his plate discipline, his contact quality, all those things went up. He plays a really good center field, athletic, great arm. We’re excited about him. Last year was a big stepping stone for him, so hopefully he continues to build on that.”