The 22-year-old Yankees phenom has hit a rough patch, and there’s a tension buzzing through the clubhouse and fan base alike. After all the hype and promise of “The Martian,” it’s hard to see his trajectory stall, but that’s exactly what’s happening now. But before the young player could even speak, two veterans stepped forward. Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr. made their way to the microphones.

It’s rare for a team to rally around a young player publicly, but this became necessary as pressure mounted. As Fried captured the mood: “I’ve just been really impressed with his ability to make adjustments, especially for a young guy.” And you could feel the undercurrent of real concern beneath the optimism.

Then came the tweet. YES Network shared a video of veteran Fried and dynamic Chisholm Jr. stepping up for Jasson Domínguez. The Yankees ace praised Domínguez’s willingness to tweak his game in real time. He noted how the kid is staying after games, grinding through the tough moments, and evolving even amid trials. “You can see the strides and how hard he’s working before games and especially during the game,” Fried said. “For a guy to be that young and willing to make those kinds of adjustments, it’s what you want to see, especially with how hard this game is and how talented the pitchers were going up against,” he added.

Chisholm, referencing conversations with scouts, said he knew Domínguez would be special from a young age. “They showed me his swing multiple times, and I was like, he’s 15, he’s 16, no way,” Chisholm Jr. told the reporters with a grin. “He’s swinging like he’s a big leaguer… From now on, you’re going to see a different part of the Martian. He’s going to be a big league player for the rest of his life, and he’s only 22. I think he’s special. Personally.”

It helps to step back and see the bigger picture behind Domínguez’s recent slump. He’s batting around .247 with a .766 OPS with six homers, 25 RBIs, and eight steals. He has also suffered through a 0-for-15 slump and particularly struggled right-handed, going just 1-for-20 from that side. To make matters worse, defensive and baserunning mistakes, some of which have made national news and sparked harsh online criticism, have fueled a growing sense that he might be faltering under pressure. Critics have even labeled him a cautionary tale instead of the next franchise player. Teammates like Fried and Chisholm clearly aren’t buying that narrative, and their defense sends a powerful message. This isn’t a lost cause. They believe the talent and work ethic are there.

Still, the backlash is real. Fans and media have been quick to pounce on mental errors and inconsistent effort. One article warned he could become officially the worst defensive outfielder in MLB after a particularly costly misplay. Another called him overhyped following a base-running gaffe against Boston. And yet here are two veterans from different backgrounds echoing support, reminding everyone that this phase is part of growth, not the final chapter.

Domínguez is at a crossroads. The spotlight has flipped from promise to accountability, but this moment could also mark the pivot, the one where talent meets resilience. With seasoned voices rallying behind him, the Yankees are sending a message. This isn’t a moment to walk away, it’s an opportunity to dig in, grow up fast, and show why he’s still the future.

Yankees’ Young Star Faces Heat as Lindor Blueprint Looms

There’s a vibe around the Yankees right now; like a sports car stuck in second gear. All the pieces should work, but something’s off. And right in the middle? Jasson Domínguez. The kid they called “The Martian” for his otherworldly potential isn’t defying gravity lately; he’s fighting it. Baserunning gaffes, defensive hiccups, the kind of moments that make old-school types mutter about “baseball IQ.” Analyst Joel Sherman nailed it when he roasted Domínguez’s back-to-back attempts to steal third base blind: “First time? Foul ball. He had no idea. Second time? Ground ball to third- tagged out easy.” Brutal, but fair.

Sherman didn’t just criticize; he handed Domínguez a roadmap: Francisco Lindor. “Nobody has more style… but on the field? His substance IS his style,” Sherman stressed. Lindor’s flair works because his fundamentals are ironclad- every throw, every read, every heartbeat of his game screams “veteran awareness.” Domínguez? He’s learning left field on the fly while his metrics nosedive (-5 OAA, -4 FRV). When he misplayed Lindor’s fly ball in the Subway Series, leading to a Mets win? That wasn’t just an error; it was a symbol of his growing pains.

So where does that leave Domínguez? His bat still flashes promise (.254 AVG, 6 HR, .729 OPS), but New York doesn’t grade on talent alone- it demands polish. The Lindor comparison isn’t about talent; it’s about execution. Domínguez has the raw tools; now he needs the instincts. Because in October, Sherman warned, “those 90 feet are precious.” Style’s fun, but respect for the game’s details? That’s what turns phenoms into pillars. The Yankees- and Domínguez, are learning that lesson one hard slide at a time.