Giancarlo Stanton's time with the New York Yankees needs to come to an end this offseason.
Stanton missed most of the season with calf injuries, but made a return in the postseason, although as a pinch hitter. He went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts in the postseason, and has played in 101 total regular season games in the last two seasons. He will turn 37 soon, and the Yankees can no longer rely on him.
Since joining the Yankees, he has only been an All-Star once and has just two seasons in which he played more than 114 games. He is due $15 million for next season and has a $15 million club option for 2028. His contract is finally at a point where the Yankees can afford to eat the money and move on.
However, releasing Stanton has to do with more than just money. For one, he simply cannot be relied upon to contribute at any point. More importantly, there is no spot for him on the team. Luis Garcia Jr. will be at first base next season, and Ben Rice will be the designated hitter. Stanton cannot play in the outfield anymore, and the Yankees are not going to take away at-bats from Garcia or Rice.
It's going to be hard to trade Stanton, so releasing him is the best play. He is 44 home runs shy of the 500 mark, and the Yankees should let him sign with a team that will let him serve as the regular designated hitter and try to reach that mark.
