The New York Yankees can avoid letting Giancarlo Stanton’s injury derail their season by relying on their depth and strategic roster management. After a disappointing finish against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, the Yankees entered spring training with high hopes, even with the departure of Juan Soto to the Mets. The team fortified its lineup with impressive free-agent signings, creating a sense of optimism among fans and players alike.
However, the team quickly faced challenges when Stanton, a key player, was sidelined. As he enters his 35th year, his absence is significant for an offense that was already adjusting to Soto’s exit. With 429 career homers, Stanton is just 24 away from surpassing Carl Yastrzemski for 40th place on the all-time list, making his potential Hall of Fame journey all the more pressing.
“Knowing you’ve got No. 27 lurking on deck behind you, it always helps you out,” said Aaron Judge during a recent press conference at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “It’s going to be a tough blow; you can’t replace him.”
In the lead-up to the 2024 season, general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged the inevitability of Stanton’s injuries. Although he managed to stay relatively healthy last year, he still missed time due to a hamstring strain. He finished the season strong, hitting seven home runs in the postseason and earning the MVP title in the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians, showcasing his potential when fit.
This year, however, Stanton is dealing with elbow pain that has kept him from swinging a bat since mid-January. He received PRP injections last week but has not provided a timeline for his return. While he is expected back in camp soon, the Yankees will likely take a cautious approach, given his previous elbow issues.
“He’s definitely frustrated,” Judge stated, expressing concern for his teammate. “But we all want him back.”
Despite this setback, the Yankees remain optimistic about their chances this season. They are still favored to win the AL East, with FanGraphs projecting a 7.4% chance of securing the World Series title. Only the Dodgers and Atlanta Braves have better odds. The contributions of players like Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, Jazz Chisholm, and top prospect Jasson Dominguez will be crucial in mitigating the impact of Stanton’s absence.
Manager Aaron Boone has indicated a strategy of utilizing in-house options to fill Stanton’s role, rotating through a cycle of designated hitters. With limited external options available, including interest in J.D. Martinez and Matt Carpenter, the Yankees will need to rely on their current roster to weather this storm.
Candidates for Stanton’s role include Dominic Smith, Ben Rice, Everson Pereira, and J.C. Escarra. While these players may not match Stanton’s right-handed power, strategic use of their skills could provide the Yankees with the necessary time until Stanton returns.
The silver lining is that Stanton’s injury occurred at the season’s start rather than during a critical pennant race. This gives the Yankees the opportunity to explore their lineup’s strengths and adapt without him. In the end, Stanton’s experience and ability to perform in the playoffs remain invaluable, and as spring unfolds, the Yankees have time on their side.
“G was so steady for us last year,” Boone reflected. “Obviously, what he did in the postseason and just his presence in the middle… there’s no sugarcoating that. We miss that presence. But hopefully, we get him right before too long, and we’ll get him back in the middle of the lineup in due time.”
