Breaking news: The New York Yankees unexpectedly identify their top target as a viable Giancarlo Stanton replacement.
The lineup of the New York Yankees is still suffering. The Yankees may not have another top slugger for some time to come after Juan Soto left for the New York Mets after only one season in the Bronx.
Due to tennis elbow in both of his elbows, Giancarlo Stanton, who blasted 27 home runs the previous season, is temporarily out of commission. The five-time All-Star has suffered from a long list of ailments in recent years, this one being just the most recent. He hasn’t participated in more than 114 games in the previous three seasons.
Furthermore, Stanton is not in camp at the moment because of a personal matter, and it is unknown when he will return.
The Yankees have contacted a six-time All-Star who is now without a team since it seems more likely that Stanton won’t be ready for Opening Day and that an injured list stint may be imminent.
MLB insider: Free-agent slugger J.D. Martinez was approached by the New York Yankees.
In light of Stanton’s most recent injury, Jon Heyman of the New York Post writes that the Yankees have had “some contact with” J.D. Martinez’s reps.
After spending 2024 with the New York Mets, where he hit 16 home runs and recorded a.725 OPS and 106 OPS+, the veteran is presently unsigned.
Just two years after earning a spot on the All-Star team, Martinez is a right-handed hitter with some pop left in his bat who could cover for Stanton while he is out. However, he is only a designated hitter at this stage of his career and would not play on the field. Martinez, who earned $12 million the previous season, would also not cost much to sign because, according to FanGraphs, New York’s estimated luxury tax payroll for 2025 is $305.1 million, which is $4 million above the highest tax threshold, meaning the Yankees will pay 110% for every dollar overage.
Martinez has recorded excellent stats over the course of 14 seasons, including 331 home runs, a.863 OPS, and an OPS+ of 131.
