Yankees shoot down Cody Bellinger report as Jasson Dominguez concerns wane

Shortly after the New York Yankees acquired Cody Bellinger in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, fans were concerned about a report that surfaced. Right from the jump, it appeared the Yankees' plans for Bellinger in 2025 were revealed.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today said Bellinger was informed he would be the starting center fielder for the Yankees. The concern wasn't the fit, it was the fact Jasson Dominguez would be displaced again and Bellinger's versatility wasn't going to be utilized properly.

Come on, Yanks. You just tested Dominguez in left field and determined he wasn't good enough to play more down the stretch and into the postseason. The bar was low, too, with how poorly Alex Verdugo was playing.

Thankfully, manager Aaron Boone channeled his inner Donald Trump and refuted the "fake news" on Wednesday, suggesting the Yankees plan to spread Bellinger out defensively. Yes, he'll likely get reps in center field, but he will not be limited to that role.

Boone said all of center field, left field and first base are possibilities for the former MVP, who, by the way, begged his agent Scott Boras to help get him to the Bronx.

Yankees plan to be flexible with Cody Bellinger and give Jasson Dominguez a chance

Someone who wants to be here and is open to his role. What a concept! More of these guys, now! Before Christmas!

While the addition of Bellinger was a headline-grabber and a breath of fresh air, it did create concern about Dominguez's future. Good thing Brian Cashman, for the time being, calmed everybody's nerves. Sure, there's still a chance the slugger is part of a larger trade package for another impact piece, but Cashman said he'd "like to see get his shot now."

That's ostensibly referring to the likelihood Dominguez will be the starting center fielder on Opening Day.

Dominguez very much did not get a fair shot in 2024, both because of his injuries and the team's unwillingness to take a chance on him later in the year. The top prospect was already recovering from Tommy John surgery, but then suffered an oblique injury that hindered his flow and rhythm in what was a crucial development year.

The Yankees opted to stick with Alex Verdugo after they were forced to shift Dominguez to left field and didn't get the desired results. Now, they have the necessary versatility to avoid making other players uncomfortable, and that's seemingly what we're being told will happen.

Has the Martian finally landed?