As the New York Yankees continue to reshape their roster for the future, rumors are swirling that the team might cut ties with a key hitter, whose $60 million contract has become a point of contention. The player in question is none other than Giancarlo Stanton, the slugger who joined the Yankees in a high-profile trade with the Miami Marlins in 2017. With Gleyber Torres’ departure—whether through trade or free agency—looming as part of the team’s roster overhaul, many are predicting that Stanton could be the next significant casualty of the Yankees’ ongoing rebuilding efforts.
Stanton, who signed a 13-year, $325 million contract with the Marlins before the trade to New York, has shown flashes of brilliance since joining the Yankees. His power bat, which once earned him the National League MVP in 2017, has made an impact on the Yankees’ lineup. However, inconsistency, injury problems, and struggles in high-pressure situations have led many to question whether he’s still the right fit for the team, especially with his sizable salary hanging over the Yankees’ payroll.
The Yankees’ front office has been under increasing scrutiny in recent seasons as the team’s title aspirations have fallen short. Despite consistently having one of the highest payrolls in Major League Baseball, the team has not secured a World Series championship since 2009. The desire to return to championship contention has led to questions about whether the Yankees can continue to afford to keep Stanton at such a high cost, particularly when his production doesn’t always align with his financial commitment.
Stanton’s contract, which still has several years remaining, has become a major obstacle for the Yankees as they look to balance their books and retool their roster for a future push for a championship. The idea of cutting ties with Stanton may be prompted by a combination of factors, including his injury history, his lack of consistent offensive production, and the emergence of other players in the Yankees’ system who may be ready to take on a larger role.
If the Yankees decide to move on from Stanton, they will likely look to either trade him or negotiate a buyout. However, moving a contract of this size will be challenging, especially given Stanton’s struggles to stay healthy and his declining production at times. There is also the issue of how the Yankees would replace the offensive power that Stanton has provided, even in his inconsistent years. Nevertheless, the Yankees’ front office will need to consider how the move fits into their long-term strategy, especially with the departure of key players like Gleyber Torres, which signals a shift in the team’s overall direction.
The departure of Torres—who has been an integral part of the Yankees’ lineup—further accelerates the team’s need to reassess its roster. The Yankees might feel that the time has come to rebuild around younger, more cost-effective players. With their eyes on the future, they may see cutting ties with Stanton as a necessary step in the team’s attempt to get back into championship contention. The next few months will be critical as the Yankees determine how best to navigate these changes, and whether parting ways with a $60 million hitter like Stanton is the right move to make.
