In today’s game, a strong baseball IQ is often overlooked.
For New York Yankees prospect Jasson Dominguez, some say he has a low baseball IQ and lacks situational awareness. He is often discussed as a potential five-tool player with power and speed upside. Dominguez also made clear strides in May, hitting .265 with four homers after batting just .228 with two home runs in March and April during his first full MLB season.
But after a recent Tuesday afternoon loss by more than five runs, some insiders think it’s time to consider whether Dominguez truly needs to improve his mental approach to the game.
Insiders Say Jasson Dominguez Needs More Situational Awareness
MLB insiders Dexter Henry and Joel Sherman agreed that Domínguez needs to pay closer attention to the game and improve his baseball IQ to find more success. They noted that although Dominguez is talented, his inexperience and youth could be factors behind his questionable decision-making.
“Jasson Dominguez has a ton of talent. But, do I just chalk it up that he hasn’t played a lot of baseball and he’s young? He had a situation about 10 days ago where he twice ran, was trying to steal third base, but ran with his head down,” Sherman said on Tuesday’s Pinstripe Post. “The first was a foul ball; he had no idea where the ball was, and the second time, there was a little ground ball to third base, he got tagged out. And I’m just like … he has not situational awareness, again.
Dominguez went 1-for-5 with three RBIs in Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, who won 12-5.
The left fielder signed with the Yankees in 2019 and made his MLB debut in 2023. In his debut, he hit a home run off Astros pitcher Justin Verlander in his first career at-bat.
Jasson Domínguez ropes a single against one of the best closers “Jeff Hoffman “at 108mph
Impressive swing to keep the game alive https://t.co/hMtu8oKtjG pic.twitter.com/dlUnjfjVAM
— Jason (@Dominguez2HOF) July 1, 2025
Through late June 2025, Dominguez is hitting .253 with a .722 OPS, six homers, 27 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. His season also included a four-game hitting streak, as well as an early exit during a Sunday game against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to injury.
While Henry and Sherman have a point, it’s important to remember Dominguez is only 22 years old. It’s better for these issues to surface sooner rather than later, and hopefully, more situational awareness will come with time.