NEW YORK — An expensive decision is approaching for the Yankees, and the player at the center of it, Giancarlo Stanton, has spent much of the past year trying to prove his body can still support his bat. A familiar celebration over the weekend offered a reminder that his place in the organization has not been erased.
The franchise has watched a veteran power hitter go from a postseason force to a late-inning possibility. His name remains tied to the Yankees’ biggest contract questions, but the immediate issue is less about money than whether there is room for him in a changing lineup.
Yet the Yankees are not treating the winter as a simple farewell. A birthday message on Sunday underscored their continuing connection to Stanton, who turned 37 on Nov. 8. The more consequential gesture could come when the club gives him a chance to show what remains of his game at spring training.
Stanton gets a birthday greeting and another possible chance
The club is expected to bring Stanton into camp and evaluate his physical condition and ability to contribute rather than settle the decision solely during the offseason. That approach would preserve an opportunity for the former National League MVP without committing the designated-hitter position to him.
Cashman made clear that Stanton would have competition for designated-hitter at-bats in 2027. His assessment left the Yankees free to use the spot for other hitters.
“He finished the season healthy, so he enters the winter healthy,” Cashman told. “We know what he’s capable of when he is healthy. We look forward to seeing if we can deploy a healthy version of him next year. But, obviously, that DH spot is up for grabs for other people that could benefit from it at the same time. We’ll have those conversations.”
Cashman also offered a measure of encouragement when addressing whether Stanton could still help New York in 2027. The executive emphasized the possibility of a healthier version of the veteran, rather than guaranteeing a fixed role.
“We look forward to seeing if we can deploy a healthy version of him next year,” Cashman said.
A season of setbacks changed the Yankees’ calculation
Stanton repeatedly strained his calves while advancing through running progressions. By September, swings against a high-velocity pitching machine and baserunning drills offered renewed hope. Boone had previously praised his refusal to stop rehabbing.
“And he’s never stopped,” Boone said after Stanton made the wild-card roster.
The Yankees ultimately carried Stanton on their playoff rosters, but his contribution amounted to two pinch-hit at-bats and two strikeouts in the Division Series loss to Tampa Bay. New York’s gamble on his late return did not produce the offensive lift it needed.
The contrast with 2025 is considerable. Stanton homered 24 times in 77 games that season, producing a .273 batting average and .944 OPS. His 2024 American League Championship Series MVP performance also remains part of his postseason credentials. The Yankees have seen how much damage his bat can do when he is available.
His durability record now complicates that upside. Stanton appeared in 764 of the Yankees’ 1,356 possible regular-season games from 2018 through 2026, a 56.3% participation rate calculated from the club’s season totals. That figure illustrates the risk of building an everyday lineup around him.
Yankees lifeline remains in force
The clearest path to another Yankees season may be contractual. He is owed $25 million for 2027, with Miami covering $10 million. New York must account for its remaining $15 million whether he stays or is released. Cutting him would clear a roster spot, not erase the bill.
That decision ultimately belongs to Hal Steinbrenner. There has been no indication the Yankees owner wants to absorb the $15 million simply to send Stanton away. With that money already committed, keeping the 37-year-old through spring training gives New York a chance to recover some production before considering a release.
A trade offers little escape. Stanton has full no-trade protection, has been limited to designated-hitter duty and played just 24 regular-season games in 2026. A prospective buyer would have to accept both the injury risk and the remaining financial obligation, with Stanton’s consent. That combination makes a deal highly unlikely.
Cashman has signaled that the Yankees will evaluate a healthy Stanton rather than make an immediate break. He also declined to promise the veteran a permanent lineup place.
“I certainly hope he becomes a legitimate choice…on a consistent basis,” Cashman said.
Stanton’s $25 million club option for 2028 carries a $10 million buyout, also offset through Miami’s trade payments. The club can retain him without committing its designated-hitter at-bats, a distinction that makes an audition in Tampa the more realistic course.
Judge and Rice leave Stanton without a guaranteed job
Aaron Judge adds another complication. After missing extensive time with injuries in 2026, the Yankees captain could benefit from occasional designated-hitter assignments. Reserving the position for Stanton would reduce the Yankees’ ability to manage Judge’s workload or rotate other hitters.
Ben Rice, who spent much of 2026 at DH after Luis García Jr. took over first base, is another contender. The Yankees could shift Rice back to first and García to second, opening DH at-bats for Stanton. That would require balancing offense against infield defense.
Cashman acknowledged that Stanton’s value goes beyond his bat, even as the Yankees consider whether his body can withstand another season.
“His leadership and care factor are not a question,” Cashman said.
The Yankees have made no announcement that Stanton will be released or installed as their everyday DH. As the 37-year-old enters the final guaranteed season of his contract, spring training stands as the next meaningful test of whether Sunday’s birthday recognition will be followed by another year in pinstripes.
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