Giancarlo Stanton is an elite hitter when he's on the field, but injuries have plagued him recently, and the New York Yankees may be wise to let him go in the offseason.
Going into the season, the Yankees expected Stanton to be a big part of their offense, but for the fifth straight season, he missed an extended amount of time with an injury. This year, a calf injury landed him on the injured list, and he injured his other calf while rehabbing. His return this year is unlikely, and it may be time for the Yankees to move on and get someone new whom they can rely on. Rafael Devers could be a name to keep an eye on.
"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."
If the Yankees do decide to cut their losses, they will need to find a way to replace Stanton's power. Devers could be the perfect fit, and the move would give Boston Red Sox fans a nightmare. The former face of their franchise in pinstripes for the next seven years would be less than ideal.
However, it's not out of the realm of possibility. This year, Buster Posey was at least willing to listen to offers for Devers, per MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan. The San Francisco Giants have been disappointing for the last two seasons, despite a very aggressive approach. The experiment with Willy Adames, Matt Chapman and Devers is not working, and it would not be a surprise to see the team move some big names in the offseason.
Devers does not miss many games, unlike Stanton. The Giants also have a replacement at first base ready in Bryce Eldridge. Devers is on pace to clear 30 home runs this year, marking just the second time a Giants player has done so since Barry Bonds.
He has great numbers at Yankee Stadium in his career. His history with Gerrit Cole could be an issue, but surely Cole would not mind having Devers on his side for once, especially if it helps the Yankees win a World Series.