Yankees Weigh Roster Moves as Giancarlo Stanton Mystery Drags On

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Feb 28, 2025 2:20 PM ET

As March begins at the New York Yankees' 2025 spring training, it is becoming increasingly clear that Giancarlo Stanton will miss time this season. The Yankees remain vague about the veteran slugger’s status, but reports confirm he is dealing with tendinitis in both elbows, which has sidelined him from swinging a bat for at least a month.

At this point, Stanton is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day. While the Yankees have not publicly disclosed much about the situation, reports indicate they are actively seeking a temporary replacement. New York Post MLB insider Joel Sherman reported that the Yankees are in the market for a right-handed, power-hitting outfielder. The Post's Jon Heyman reported that the team has reached out to former Red Sox and Mets slugger J.D. Martinez.

Martinez, who hit .235 with 16 home runs and a .725 OPS with the Mets last season, is a proven power hitter and on the surface, an immediate solution. However, his limited defensive flexibility presents a roster challenge. If Stanton returns, it would seem impossible for the Yankees carrying both Martinez and Stanton on the 26-man roster.

Adam Duvall has also been mentioned as a potential target, though Sherman reports that the Yankees’ cannot afford him right now. That situation could change if the team trades Marcus Stroman and sheds a significant portion of his $18.5 million salary for 2025.

Given their payroll constraints, the Yankees are looking at internal options.

While his former Mets general manager downplayed the possibility, the Yankees are intrigued by Dom Smith. The former first-round pick has hit home runs in back-to-back spring training games and is making a case for consideration.

Ben Rice flashed power potential last season and then showed how much he has to learn when he filled in for Anthony Rizzo. Rice, who bulked up over the winter, offers positional flexibility at first base and catcher, could be a possibility if he has a strong spring.

Prospect Spencer Jones remains an unlikely replacement after struggling in Double-A last season. However, a standout spring could help speed up his progression through the minor league system.

Stanton’s injury situation presents a significant challenge for the Yankees. Making it harder to deal with is that he has had significant injury issues over the last few years.

He is under contract through 2027 and is set to earn $32 million this season. After 2025, he will still be owed $79 million from the 13-year, $325 million deal he originally signed with the Miami Marlins.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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