Giancarlo Stanton’s Opening Day Absence
Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees’ formidable slugger and former NL MVP, will not be ready for Opening Day. Stanton arrived at spring training with a persistent case of tennis elbow in both of his elbows, which has prevented him from engaging in any baseball activities. The situation became so concerning that he had to return to New York for further testing, ultimately receiving PRP injections and being placed on the injured list (IL) to start the season. This news is a significant blow to the Yankees, who are already navigating the loss of Juan Soto and are in search of the right player to protect Aaron Judge in the lineup. While the team has a wealth of veteran talent, finding a suitable replacement for Stanton’s designated hitter (DH) role presents a unique challenge.
Everson Pereira: A Right-Handed Option with Potential
Everson Pereira, once a highly-touted Yankees prospect, is a right-handed hitter who could be a viable candidate to fill Stanton’s shoes. In 2023, the 23-year-old was called up to the majors but struggled, posting a meager .151/.233/.194 slash line with a .427 OPS and 10 RBIs across 27 games. Despite these underwhelming numbers, Pereira’s major league experience and solid outfield play are valuable assets. Unfortunately, he suffered an elbow injury last spring that required surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2024 season. Now, Pereira is healthy enough to swing a bat, though he may be limited to DH duties, which is all he has done early in spring training. His comfort at the plate and base-running skills make him a strong contender, especially as a right-handed option. However, the Yankees might be hesitant to rely solely on a player who is still recovering and has shown limited success in the majors.
Ben Rice: Utility and Power
Ben Rice, another player with major league experience, is a left-handed hitter who could offer a compelling alternative. Last year, Rice was called up to play first base due to Anthony Rizzo’s injury. A catcher by trade, Rice demonstrated his utility by playing first base and showing promise at the plate, despite some rough edges. In 50 games, he slashed .171/.264/.349 with a .613 OPS, but his power was evident as he hit seven home runs, including three in a single game. Rice’s versatility, having played behind the plate this spring, could make him an intriguing choice. He could serve as the team’s DH and third catcher on the bench, providing a power-hitting left-handed bat that could complement a right-handed hitter. This dual role could be particularly valuable as the Yankees look to balance their lineup and maintain depth.
Dominic Smith: A Veteran with Versatility
Dominic Smith, a veteran infielder and outfielder, signed a minor league deal with the Yankees this offseason and could be a solid left-handed option for the team. Smith’s performance last season was modest, with a .233/.313/.378 slash line and a .691 OPS across two teams. However, his ability to play both infield and outfield positions could open up opportunities, especially if Oswaldo Cabrera, who shares similar versatility, continues to struggle in spring training. The primary hurdle for Smith is that he is not currently on the 40-man roster, but this can be easily addressed if Stanton or another player is placed on long-term IR. Yankees GM Brian Cashman has a history of signing veterans to fill gaps, and Smith fits this mold perfectly. His experience and adaptability make him a strong candidate to step into the DH role temporarily.
Aaron Judge: A Potential Solution
Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ captain and star outfielder, could see an increased number of games as the designated hitter in 2025, similar to the approach taken last season. While Judge prefers playing in the field, particularly in right field, he has shown exceptional performance as a DH. Last year, he slashed .327/.457/.587 with a 1.044 OPS in 41 games as the team’s designated hitter, the most he has played in this role in his career. Judge’s willingness to adapt and his recent comments to the media indicate that he is open to whatever the team needs. This flexibility could open up more playing time for Trent Grisham in center field and allow Cody Bellinger to shift to right field, providing a balanced and dynamic outfield.
Other Internal Options
The Yankees have not utilized Stanton much in the field over the past two years, and this trend was expected to continue in 2025. This situation has underscored the need for versatility from the bench. The organization has hinted at the possibility of a platoon at third base, involving DJ LeMahieu, Oswald Peraza, and Cabrera. If LeMahieu or Peraza are healthy and ready for Opening Day, they could provide the right-handed bat the Yankees need on the bench. Among the non-roster invitees, Duke Ellis, a left-handed outfielder, and Pablo Reyes, a right-handed infielder, have major league experience but are not strong candidates for the DH role. Switch-hitter Andrew Velazquez, a hometown favorite, could also find his way back onto the team. However, the most promising prospects on the 40-man roster, such as Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr., need more seasoning and are unlikely to be ready for the start of the season.
External Considerations
While the Yankees have several internal options, they could also look outside the organization for a solution. Free agent J.D. Martinez, a seasoned hitter, has reportedly been in contact with the team this offseason. Martinez’s experience and power-hitting ability make him an attractive option, but his high salary demands and the Yankees’ self-imposed payroll limitations make him an unlikely fit. The Yankees will need to weigh the benefits of signing a high-profile free agent against the financial constraints and the potential for internal development. As the team prepares for the season, they will continue to evaluate their options, ensuring they have the best possible lineup to compete for a championship.
