OAKLAND, Calif. — Sometimes, New York Yankees top prospect Jasson Domínguez will just watch star Juan Soto.
During spring training, Domínguez would occasionally chat with Soto, who was often busy trying to acclimate to his new pinstriped surroundings. But as Domínguez rehabbed multiple injuries in the minor leagues, he would watch Soto’s at-bats on TV, and since he got called up Sept. 9, he’s gotten to know the four-time All-Star a bit more.
Still, Domínguez likes to observe Soto, who possesses a trait he hopes to emulate.
“The big part for me that I try to learn from him is his confidence,” Domínguez said.
Of course, it’s not that there’s any observable lack of self-belief from Domínguez, who crushed a clutch two-run home run in Sunday’s 7-4 win over the Oakland A’s in the Yankees’ final game at the Coliseum. The A’s will play next year in Sacramento as they look to relocate to Las Vegas.
Jasson Domínguez, ready for takeoff 🚀
The Martian ties it up for the @Yankees. pic.twitter.com/nSsYLrkjIr
— MLB (@MLB) September 22, 2024
The win meant that one victory over the second-place Baltimore Orioles during their three-game series that starts Tuesday in the Bronx would secure the Yankees an American League East title.
Soto, 25, has been a key piece to the Yankees’ turnaround. After missing the playoffs last year, the 92-64 Yankees could wind up with the best record in the AL. Soto has been a steady presence in the lineup, playing 152 games while posting the third-highest OPS in the game at .990 and the most home runs in his career at 40.
Meanwhile, Domínguez, 21, has found himself in an interesting position. He’s been sharing time in left field with veteran Alex Verdugo and playing some center field. Through 12 games, Domínguez has hit just .200 with two homers and a .679 OPS, but he’s considered to be a bigger power threat and better overall hitter than Verdugo, who’s the better defender in left field.
Domínguez said the way Soto brings an extra level of intensity to every at-bat has been thrilling for him to watch.
Domínguez wants to be just like that.
“He doesn’t give at-bats away,” the rookie said of Soto. “Every at-bat is a battle. Every at-bat. We’ve got leaders, a lot of really good players, but every time he’s up at the plate, you know he’s going to make the pitcher work.”
He added that Soto’s ability to control the strike zone is something else he aspires to possess.
“He’s just natural,” Domínguez said. “I’ve been getting better at that, but I had to work for it. When I started my career, I was a free-swing guy, like hitting everything. But he’s just kind of natural. He’s just balanced, good eye. But of course I want to get to that point, too, and I’m working on that almost every day to train my vision and my plate discipline.”
And Soto has been receptive to Domínguez, being a friend while also giving him advice mostly about life in baseball.
“Very easy guy to talk to about anything,” Domínguez said. “I haven’t asked him a lot of baseball stuff because I’m trying to get to know him as a person better, but he’s unbelievable. He’ll talk to me. You can go and ask him. He’s very open.”
Aaron Judge praises Shohei Ohtani
On Sunday, Aaron Judge crushed his 55th home run of the season, a solo shot to center field in the third inning.
It put a little distance between him and Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani for the MLB lead in blasts, but not for long.
A couple of hours later, Ohtani launched his 53rd home run of the season. Ohtani also has 55 stolen bases.
“I don’t usually like looking back on my year until it’s over,” Judge said. “It’s kind of hard to miss what Ohanti is doing over there. Impressive season again out of him. I feel like every year he does something special. What another year to add to his belt of amazing, amazing seasons, that’s for sure.”
Judge appears to be the heavy favorite to win the AL MVP for the second time in his career. Ohtani could be on track to win his third career MVP.
With his home run, Judge also joined a special group. He’s one of five players to hit 55 homers in multiple seasons. The others? Babe Ruth, Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa.
Only MLB players to hit 55+ homers in multiple seasons:
Babe Ruth
Ken Griffey Jr.
Mark McGwire
Sammy Sosa
Aaron Judgepic.twitter.com/dnkxsVBJlE— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) September 22, 2024
Getting ‘creative’
The Yankees were fans of the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. That’s because the Angels’ win over the Houston Astros meant that the Yankees have clinched a better record than Houston. That means if — and more likely when — the Yankees win the AL East, they’ll secure a first-round bye.
As for their quest to have the best record in the AL and the first seed? It doesn’t seem to be a higher priority than ensuring their top contributors are healthy heading into the playoffs.
“Certainly,” Boone said, “you get a new situation to prioritize guys’ health and things like that. But if you can have it all going into the postseason, we’re going to try to do that.”
Boone mentioned the Yankees could try to “get creative” next weekend, resting some players while giving others playing time to keep them sharp.
“We understand (the best record) is there to be had and we would want that, but you’re always striking the balance between that and making sure guys are in good spots,” Boone said.
(Photo of Jasson Domínguez: Cary Edmondson / Imagn Images)
