DALLAS — The Yankees likely will replace their superstar right fielder with another superstar right fielder.
With Juan Soto in Queens, it probably will be Aaron Judge who regularly patrols right field in The Bronx.
Of the 117 games Judge played defensively last season, 105 came in center, where he slowed during his age-32 season and ranked 39th of 40 qualified center fielders in Outs Above Average.
For Judge’s age-33 season, he likely will move over.
“It makes sense,” GM Brian Cashman said Monday at the Winter Meetings. “We’re not afraid to run him out in center like we’ve done, but I think it makes sense to have him over in right because it clears a lane for Jasson.”
Jasson Dominguez could be given a chance to prove himself after an injury-filled 2024.
Last season the top prospect struggled in his few major league opportunities, both with the bat and glove, but he is still just 21 years old.
“We obviously believe [Dominguez] has a high ceiling now that he’s healthy,” Cashman said, “but I’m not anointing him as the center fielder.”
There are no center fielders on the free-agent market who would command everyday playing time.
A center fielder with a higher floor likely would be found on the trade market, with the Cubs’ Cody Bellinger a potential target.
What is becoming clear is the era of the Yankees fielding a 6-foot-7 center fielder every day is likely over.
“The great thing about Judgie is he gives us that flexibility,” manager Aaron Boone said, “not only with his ability, but also his willingness to do whatever is needed for us, for the team.”
Caleb Durbin, an infield prospect coming off a strong season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and the Arizona Fall League, is “probably the odds-on favorite” for a starting infield job, Cashman said.
Durbin, who posted an .867 OPS in 375 plate appearances with SWB and stole 29 bases in 82 games, could take the spot vacated by Gleyber Torres or move to third base if Jazz Chisholm Jr. switches back to second.
Cashman also listed Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas as internal prospects who could emerge.
He also could import a more proven second or third baseman.
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Boone, who at the moment is a lame-duck manager for 2025, said there have not yet been any extension talks.
