The last thing the New York Yankees should be contemplating for the playoffs is a platoon in left field. However, on Tuesday, manager Aaron Boone indicated uncertainty about who will be the primary starter in the outfield, hinting that he might lean towards a matchup-based approach instead.
Yankees’ Left Field Platoon: Pros and Cons
Boone’s strategy could result in Alex Verdugo and Jasson Dominguez sharing left field duties, depending on the opposing pitchers. While this approach offers flexibility, it risks disrupting the rhythm of both players, especially in high-pressure playoff situations.
Dominguez, a switch-hitter, has shown more power from the left side but struggles against left-handed pitching, hitting just .111 in a small sample of 18 at-bats. Verdugo’s splits against lefties are also concerning, with a .228 average and only two homers in 167 at-bats this season. Boone faces a tough decision on who to rely on against left-handed pitchers, making the platoon approach potentially risky.
Power and Speed vs. Plate Discipline
A critical factor in Boone’s decision is how each player impacts the game. Jasson Dominguez offers superior base running and more power, making him a potential game-changer with one swing. Meanwhile, Alex Verdugo, despite ranking among the league’s worst in slugging, excels in plate discipline. Verdugo’s ability to control the strike zone is evidenced by his 92nd percentile whiff rate and 88th percentile strikeout rate, indicating a more measured approach at the plate.
However, Verdugo’s .233/.291/.356 slash line this season falls well below his career averages as a typically above-average offensive player. Dominguez, though still adjusting to the major leagues, has shown potential with a 16.4% walk rate and an 84 wRC+—only slightly better than Verdugo’s 83 wRC+. Dominguez’s potential for growth is clear, especially as he gains experience with MLB pitching, making Boone’s choice even more complex.
Defensive Considerations
Defensively, Jasson Dominguez has displayed some inconsistency, which could explain Boone’s hesitation to name him an everyday starter. Had he been promoted earlier, Dominguez might have had more time to adjust to the demands of big-league defense. A potential solution could involve altering the outfield alignment—moving
Dominguez to center, Juan Soto to left, and Aaron Judge to right. This setup would allow each player to play to their strengths while improving defensive coverage, potentially giving the Yankees a more balanced and dynamic outfield.
Dominguez’s Intangibles
In addition to his power and speed, Jasson Dominguez provides the ability to impact games by simply getting on base, which could be a valuable asset for the Yankees during crucial playoff moments. His dynamic skill set offers more upside in game-changing scenarios. On the other hand, Alex Verdugo, while dependable defensively and capable of contributing with occasional hits, lacks the slugging power needed to turn the tide in tight games. His offensive struggles are further reflected in his 49.3% ground ball rate, his highest since 2021, which has limited his ability to produce impactful hits for the Yankees.
Playoff Decisions: Momentum Is Key
While Aaron Boone could go in either direction when selecting a starter for the ALDS, much will depend on the matchups against their opponent. Boone’s decision is likely to be matchup-based, but limiting a player’s opportunity to build momentum could be a risky move. Both Alex Verdugo and Jasson Dominguez have struggled with consistency late in the season, a factor that can be attributed to their irregular playing time. Finding the right balance between platooning and giving players enough at-bats to find a rhythm will be key in maximizing their contributions during the playoffs.
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