Giancarlo Stanton was rehabbing from a calf strain for the New York Yankees when he injured his other calf as well.
His season could be over, and after another frustrating injury, the Yankees could be asking whether it's time to replace him and get a more reliable power bat for their lineup. When Stanton is playing, he's great, but his being available all season is far from a guarantee.
He will turn 37 soon, and already is a non-factor on defense with terrible speed on the bases. According to The Athletic's Chris Kirschner, it would cost the Yankees around $25 million to release him, taking on $15 million he is owed by the Yankees for next season and $10 million to buy out his 2028 club option.
"The $25 million the Yankees owe Stanton for the next two seasons is within the range that owner Hal Steinbrenner has been willing to absorb to move on from a player," wrote Kirschner.
Taking that into account, Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer predicted that the Yankees would release Stanton and that he would sign with the Padres.
The Yankees releasing Stanton is not far-fetched. The Yankees need a more reliable running mate for Aaron Judge, and replacing him with someone who can play defense gives Aaron Boone some lineup flexibility. Going into the season thinking Stanton is going to be a key factor and then seeing him on the shelf all season is not something the Yankees probably enjoy.
Meanwhile, the Padres have a new owner who could be looking to make a splash right away. Stanton could slot in as the everyday designated hitter in San Diego as he looks to reach 500 homers in his career. The Padres have been contenders for quite some time, and pairing Stanton with Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. could be great for them.
The Padres rank 17th in homers this year, and adding Stanton could give them a boost. Any team that adds Stanton is assuming a huge risk when it comes to his health. However, the Padres are a team that has been known to take risks. With Stanton collecting money from the Yankees and Miami Marlins next season, even if he is released, he could be willing to sign on a bargain.