During New York Yankees spring training in 2026, unexpected developments suggest Ryan McMahon, primarily a third baseman, could be tried at shortstop. This adjustment comes as the Yankees look to secure infield depth ahead of the season while managing roster challenges. Additionally, the surplus of outfield players is putting Jasson Dominguez’s spot in question, increasing speculation about his role moving forward.
The Yankees acquired Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies last season in exchange for Josh Grosz and Griffin Herring, aiming to allow Jazz Chisholm Jr. to return to second base. McMahon is now set for possible shortstop innings during spring training games, signaling the Yankees’ intention to prepare him as a backup option should the need arise at that position in 2026.
Ryan McMahon shared,
“Buddy Black threw me over there a couple of times [with the Rockies] but it’s not something I’ve done a bunch of. But I’m a ballplayer. I think I can go out there and catch the ball. We’ll see how it looks,”
reflecting his openness to adapting defensively.
Over his nine major league seasons, McMahon has only three innings of shortstop experience, with more extensive playtime at second base (244 games) and first base (70 games). The Yankees’ shortstop depth chart for 2026 also features prospects and players like Anthony Volpe, Jose Caballero, Oswaldo Cabrera, Amed Rosario, and Max Schuemann. Since Volpe is expected to miss part of the season, the team is ensuring contingency plans are in place.
Jasson Dominguez’s Future with Yankees Faces Uncertainty
Outfielder Jasson Dominguez may begin the 2026 campaign in Triple-A with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre rather than on the Yankees’ major league roster due to the team’s crowded outfield. Although rumors of a trade circulated, no transaction materialized, but the positional surplus limits his immediate playing opportunities at the major league level.
MLB insider Marakovitz highlighted Dominguez’s situation, stating,
“Jasson Dominguez is just 23 years old. He still has tremendous upside,”
adding,
“So if he’s not going to get everyday playing time up here, it may be more beneficial for him to get everyday reps at the minor league level. Now, I’m sure that’s not what Dominguez wants to hear, but give him a lot of credit, he has said all the right things.”
She further noted,
“Whatever the team needs to do to win, he is on board with, but he did note that a lot can happen from now until Opening Day. So he is still optimistic that he is going to make this roster. But when you look at some of the struggles he had defensively, getting him out there every day, and also from the right side of the plate as a switch hitter, if he can get more reps there, you’d think that’s only going to benefit him and benefit the New York Yankees in the future.”
As the season approaches, the Yankees’ front office has yet to decide if Dominguez will be designated for assignment or retained on the 40-man roster while starting in Triple-A, leaving his exact status uncertain.
Implications for Yankees’ Roster Strategy and Season Outlook
The Yankees’ experimentation with Ryan McMahon at shortstop underscores the organization’s effort to shore up flexibility and coverage for key defensive positions amid injury risks. McMahon’s willingness to play out of his typical position could prove valuable if unforeseen circumstances affect the regular shortstop lineup.
Meanwhile, Jasson Dominguez’s potential minor league assignment reflects the competitive nature of the Yankees’ outfield and their cautious approach towards developing young talent. Ensuring that Dominguez receives consistent playing time at Triple-A could aid his progression as a switch hitter and improve his defensive skills, ultimately benefiting the team’s long-term plans.
Manager Aaron Boone and the Yankees’ management appear focused on balancing immediate competitiveness with nurturing promising players like Dominguez, while exploring versatile options such as McMahon’s role change to maintain depth. How these decisions play out through spring training and early season games will shape the Yankees’ roster dynamics and could impact their 2026 campaign trajectory significantly.
Ryan McMahon could get a few innings at shortstop for the #Yankees this spring.
"Buddy Black threw me over there a couple of times [with the Rockies] but it's not something I've done a bunch of. But I'm a ballplayer. I think I can go out there and catch the ball. We'll see how…
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) February 19, 2026
Anthony Volpe's return timeline, the 2026 outlook for Jasson Domínguez and more!@M_Marakovits has the latest from Yankees camp on #MLBNHotStove 📺 pic.twitter.com/6qx9UNdXPO
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 19, 2026
