After a disappointing postseason that left more to be desired from the Yankees’ heavy hitters, it’s unclear what the future may look like for veterans like Giancarlo Stanton.
The nearly 37-year-old designated hitter was injured for the majority of the regular season, suffering a calf injury in late April and another in August from running the bases. He was added to the Yankees’ postseason roster, which came as a surprise to some, and made his first appearance as a pinch-hitter against the Rays in the ALDS.
He ultimately went 0-for-2 in the series and failed to help continue the chase for 28 in his limited role.
Nearing the end of his 13-year, $325 million extension he signed with the Marlins in 2014, Stanton is due to make $25 million next season, with Miami responsible for $10 million. If the Yankees decide to part ways with the potential Hall of Famer before next season, they’ll have to cover the remaining $15 million.*
*There’s also a $10 million buyout for Stanton’s $25 million club option for 2028, but the Marlins are already obligated to cover $10 million for 2028 as well, so the Yankees are effectively off the hook for that.
It’s undeniable that the 2024 ALCS MVP remains one of the most intimidating hitters in the league, but his susceptibility to injuries has become impossible to ignore. In 1,356 games during his nine seasons with the Yankees, he’s seen action in only 764, according to MLB Trade Rumors. That’s likely one of the main reasons that the Yankees would decide to go separate ways.
It’s also worth noting that Aaron Judge will be healthy going into next season if all the stars align, and we’ll probably see him take a good share of time at the DH spot when he’s not in right field. Ben Rice also dominated in the position throughout the postseason, so it’d be wise for the Yankees to keep him as an option for the slot if they don’t decide to put him at first base. Luis García Jr. had his opportunity at DH last season as well with both the Yankees and Nationals when he wasn’t at first, but we’ll likely see him stay in the infield with Judge back on the roster. Keeping Rice and Judge alternating as DH starters doesn’t leave enough room for Stanton to make much of an impact.
Looking back on his career in pinstripes, Stanton helped inspire Judge’s stout demeanor and mindset as he stepped into leadership and became a three-time MVP, both leading the Yankees to their first pennant since they won the 2009 World Series. However, his proclivity to injury may give the Yankees some hesitance to keep Big G around until the end of his contract. They’ll have to weigh the pros of keeping him around, bringing more power and intimidation to the plate, and the cons, which could put the Yankees in a tough position if he gets injured again in 2027.
