The Martian Has Landed In Somerset
Bridgewater, New Jersey - When you are an uber-talented prospect like Jasson Dominguez with a nickname like “The Martian” the puns become almost limitless. After enduring travel delays on Wednesday in his native Dominican Republic that pushed back his arrival in Bridgewater, The Martian has quite literally landed. Less than
Bridgewater, New Jersey - When you are an uber-talented prospect like Jasson Dominguez with a nickname like “The Martian” the puns become almost limitless. After enduring travel delays on Wednesday in his native Dominican Republic that pushed back his arrival in Bridgewater, The Martian has quite literally landed. Less than 24 hours after touching down in New Jersey, the 20-year-old outfielder donned the Patriots pinstripes on Thursday and met the local media contingent for the first time this spring.
It’s rare that a game goes by and Dominguez doesn’t make a play without leaving the crowd struck in awe. Despite Thursday night’s season opener being postponed due to the threat of inclement weather, the Yankees #2 ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline still managed to impress without even taking the field. Equipped with manager Raul Dominguez by his side should the need for translation arise, the Patriots slugger was determined to complete the interview session solo while speaking English, which is something he has been working rigorously at since arriving in the states. Mission accomplished.
After slashing .273/.375/.461 across three-levels and being awarded the 2022 Kevin Lawn Award as the Yankees Minor League Player of the Year, Dominguez is excited to be back at Double-A and feels as though his promotion to Somerset at the tail end of last season and the experience that came with the team’s championship run will be invaluable to him opening the 2023 campaign.
El Marciano está aquí👽 pic.twitter.com/gOx51TrwGw
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) April 6, 2023
“It’s definitely going to help because it’s kind of familiar now,” said Dominguez. “I got the experience in those couple games and I feel like I know how it is and how it goes and it’s going to be great.”
The Yankees player development staff has both publicly and privately praised Dominguez for his uncanny ability to adjust so quickly. He is showing maturity in all facets that is rarely seen from a player with just 176 career minor league games under his belt. Being aware enough to make those constant adjustments is a huge reason why he continues to move so quickly through the system and why the organization believes he is a future five-tool cornerstone.
“I think that I’m able to make adjustments at whatever level that it is,” said Dominguez. “From last year to this year, that’s what it’s all about, making adjustments. Every level is different, and you have to adjust.”
Dominguez added, “In every level, it’s the same baseball. Obviously the highest level is different; they’re professional and they know what they’re doing, but I just keep in mind that it is the same baseball.”
When the spotlight shines bright the outside expectations seem to rise. Fair or unfair, there are going to be comparisons and questions all season long about Anthony Volpe. Just one year ago the 21-year old shortstop was serving as the catalyst for the Patriots, now he is starting for the big club in the Bronx. Many think Dominguez can blaze that same path if he hits the way that he did in the playoffs last year and in big league camp this spring.
“When I saw Volpe get there, I was so, so happy for him,” admitted Dominguez. “That kind of decision is not on me so I just focus on doing my job and other things will happen.”
Dominguez added, “I just focus on the moment and focus on being in the present. I do what I have to do and control what I can control. I don’t focus a lot on the media and see what the potential is or comparisons are, I just focus on the present.”
The Martian figures to be a catalyst near the top of the Somerset lineup this season while receiving a majority of the innings in centerfield, which is where the organization ultimately projects him long term. Though showcasing some position versatility appears to not be out of the question for Dominguez in 2023.
“I’ve started to take practice in left field, every part of the outfield,” admitted Dominguez. “I started doing that now. I feel good about it – just getting reps and getting the feel for left field and right field, but I feel good.”
Dominguez added, “My goal for this season is to just stay healthy,” Dominguez said. “Control what I can control.”
Matt Kardos | SomersetPatriots.com Beat Writer
Matt Kardos has covered the Yankees minor league system for over a decade and will spend his 11th season on the beat covering the Patriots for SomersetPatriots.com. Throughout his career, Matt has contributed to MLB.com, YES Network and Pinstriped Prospects. When he’s not at the ballpark, Matt enjoys traveling with his wife Kimberly, watching Jets football and collecting sports cards.