The New York Yankees have been without Giancarlo Stanton for most of the season.
Stanton was trying to come back from a calf injury, but he injured his other calf while working his way back. It's possible he does not return this year, and it's worth asking if the Yankees should move on and find someone more reliable to help their offense.
Since joining the Yankees, injuries have plagued Stanton. He has played over 120 games just twice in his Yankees tenure, but when he is healthy, he is great. The problem is, the 36-year-old is not reliable when it comes to staying healthy. Moving on from Stanton would not be cheap, but it's not something the Yankees cannot afford.
"Stanton is owed $25 million next season, but the Yankees are only on the hook for $15 million, with the Marlins paying the other $10 million," wrote The Athletic's Chris Kirschner on Sunday. "The slugger also has a $25 million club option in 2028 — his age-38 season — which the Yankees almost certainly would decline because of his injury history. If they decline the option, he is owed a $10 million buyout. 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."
Stanton cannot play defense, so he locks the designated hitter role in the lineup when he's healthy. However, by moving him, the Yankees could give Aaron Judge more time off his feet by having him serve as a designated hitter. They could also look into signing a younger, more reliable full-time designated hitter.
Stanton has put together a Hall of Fame-worthy career, needing just 43 more home runs to reach 500. However, at this point, it may be wise for the Yankees to get Aaron Judge a new running mate.