Why the Yankees might pass on J.D. Martinez: Better in-house replacements named

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On Thursday night, Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees have been in contact with veteran slugger J.D. Martinez. However, the front office has yet to determine how he would fit into the roster, particularly since they still expect Giancarlo Stanton to return at some point this season. While adding Martinez could bolster the Yankees’ offense, questions remain about whether he is worth the investment.

Is J.D. Martinez the right move for the Yankees?

Despite the potential fit, not everyone believes Martinez is a necessary addition. On Friday morning, podcaster Alfred Álvarez from Que Pasa MLB expressed skepticism about signing Martinez, arguing that the Yankees already have viable in-house replacements for Stanton.

“The best replacement for Giancarlo Stanton is already in the organization,” Álvarez said. “You could go with Dominic Smith, push up Spencer Jones, or even give Ben Rice some at-bats. Plus, you could carry three catchers on the roster.”

Álvarez’s comments highlight a growing sentiment that the Yankees should rely on internal options rather than spending on another aging designated hitter. Martinez, a six-time All-Star, remains one of the best right-handed bats on the market, but at 36 years old, his long-term value is questionable.

Is J.D. Martinez worth the price tag?

Another major factor in this debate is the cost. Martinez is expected to command around $9–10 million for a one-year deal, which might not be justifiable for a team that has multiple offensive options.

“For that price, the Yankees could explore internal solutions without adding payroll constraints,” Álvarez pointed out. “If Stanton is healthy by midseason, they could be stuck paying for an extra DH they don’t need.”

The Yankees have already made significant financial commitments this offseason, particularly with the addition of Cody Bellinger, Devin Williams, and Max Fried. While adding another reliable bat could help stabilize the lineup, especially given Stanton’s durability concerns, committing nearly $10 million to a player who primarily fills the same role presents a tough decision.

What’s the latest on Stanton’s health?

Meanwhile, Heyman also provided an update on Stanton’s health, and the news wasn’t exactly reassuring for Yankees fans. According to multiple reports, there is still no timetable for Stanton’s return.

The Yankees’ designated hitter has been sidelined due to tendon issues in both elbows and is undergoing further testing in New York. While the team has stated that the injuries are unrelated, Stanton remains unable to participate in baseball activities. His status for Opening Day is in serious doubt, and depending on how his recovery progresses, he could be out for weeks—if not longer.

Stanton’s ongoing injury troubles are a primary reason why Martinez’s name has surfaced in rumors. If the Yankees feel that Stanton won’t be able to contribute for an extended period, signing Martinez becomes a more logical move. However, if there’s hope that Stanton can return in the first half of the season, the Yankees may opt to hold off.

Are the Yankees ready to make a decision on Martinez?

With Stanton’s status still uncertain, the Yankees are evaluating their next steps. While Martinez remains an option, the front office could be hesitant to pull the trigger on a signing given their belief that Stanton will return.

Additionally, Spencer Jones—one of the Yankees’ top prospects—is still viewed as a work in progress and is unlikely to make the team out of spring training. On the other hand, Ben Rice continues to generate buzz and could be a dark horse candidate for a roster spot, particularly if Stanton remains sidelined.

Rice, known for his impressive power and disciplined approach at the plate, had a breakout campaign last year, highlighted by a dominant three-homer performance in the minors. If the Yankees choose to prioritize youth over experience, Rice could see playing time instead of Martinez.

How long will Stanton be out?

Beyond whether Martinez is a good fit, the real issue is how long Stanton will be sidelined. “If Stanton is out until after the All-Star break, then maybe you consider a move. But if it’s just a month or two, spending $9 million on another DH doesn’t make much sense,” analysts have pointed out.

Skepticism also surrounds the nature of Heyman’s report. Some believe this could be a case of agent-driven speculation rather than a serious Yankees pursuit.

“Whenever a Scott Boras client is involved, Jon Heyman is the one breaking the news. That’s just how this industry works,” a Que Pasa MLB analyst noted. “Just because Heyman mentioned Martinez doesn’t mean the Yankees are close to signing him. It could have been a routine inquiry about his price. And since it’s the Yankees, putting this out in the New York Post generates buzz.”

The Yankees’ final decision will likely depend on Stanton’s health timeline. If the slugger remains out for an extended period, adding Martinez as a stopgap could be worth considering. However, if Stanton’s return is expected sooner rather than later, the Yankees may choose to rely on their internal depth.

For now, the Yankees are staying patient, monitoring Stanton’s progress, and weighing all available options. With Opening Day approaching, the front office must soon decide whether to make a move or trust the talent they already have in-house.

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