Yankees Exploring DH Options as Stanton’s Injury Concerns Grow
The Yankees are bracing for life without Giancarlo Stanton as Opening Day approaches. The $325 million slugger continues battling injuries to both elbows, and there’s a real chance he’ll miss the start of the season, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
In response, the team has reached out to free-agent slugger J.D. Martinez as a potential replacement.
“There’s been some contact with J.D. Martinez. But it might be hard to figure out how to bring him in as a stopgap player because there’s surely hope and expectation for Stanton to return,” Heyman wrote.
The Yankees desperately need protection for Aaron Judge after losing out on Juan Soto this offseason. Stanton was supposed to provide that power presence, but his timeline for return remains unclear.
Martinez would fit perfectly in the Yankees’ lineup. The six-time All-Star is coming off what many consider a down year by his standards, though he still managed 24 home runs and posted a 106 OPS+ with the Mets last season.
That’s exactly the kind of production the Yankees could use around Judge if Stanton’s absence stretches longer than anticipated.
This isn’t the first time Stanton’s durability has been an issue. Since joining the Yankees in 2018, he’s played more than 140 games just once – his first season with the team. He’s averaged just 73 games per season over the last four years.
The way I see it, Martinez represents an insurance policy the Yankees might need to seriously consider. At 37, he’s no longer the MVP-caliber hitter he once was, but his right-handed power would play well at Yankee Stadium.
The tricky part is figuring out how to structure a deal that works for both sides. Martinez likely wants a guaranteed role, while the Yankees can’t commit to anything long-term with Stanton still in their plans.
It’s a situation worth monitoring as spring training progresses and Stanton’s status becomes clearer.
