Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton to start season on IL after PRP injections in both elbows

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The New York Yankees will be without Giancarlo Stanton when they open the 2025 season, as the slugger has been placed on the injured list after receiving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in both elbows. SNY announced the decision on Saturday, confirming that Stanton had been dealing with tennis elbow in both arms throughout the offseason, preventing him from participating in baseball activities during spring training.

Giancarlo Stanton still in New York attending to personal matter

Giancarlo Stanton remains in New York due to a personal matter, and while he is expected to return to Tampa this coming week, his absence has left the Yankees without clarity regarding their designated hitter plans.

Giancarlo Stanton, 35, played through elbow discomfort in 2024, appearing in 114 regular-season games and slashing .233/.298/.475 with 27 home runs and 72 RBIs. While his regular-season numbers were inconsistent, he excelled in the postseason, posting a 1.048 OPS with seven homers and 16 RBIs in 14 games, further cementing his reputation as a clutch October performer.

Yankees exploring options to replace Giancarlo Stanton

With Giancarlo Stanton sidelined, the Yankees will spend the remainder of spring training evaluating their internal options and potential external additions to fill the void. One name that has emerged in rumors is veteran slugger J.D. Martinez.

Martinez, 37, remains unsigned as March begins. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees have had “some contact” with Martinez’s representatives, though there is no indication that discussions have progressed beyond preliminary interest.

The former Mets slugger slashed .235/.320/.406 with 16 home runs over 495 plate appearances last season. His production was notably stronger against left-handed pitching (.836 OPS) than right-handers (.683 OPS), which could make him a platoon option rather than a full-time replacement. Additionally, Martinez’s 28.5% strikeout rate remains a concern, though his hard contact and walk rate suggest he may have been somewhat unlucky at the plate last season.

Yankees weighing external help vs. Internal solutions

While Martinez could be a natural fit as a temporary designated hitter, signing him is not a straightforward decision. The Yankees must assess Giancarlo Stanton’s timeline for a return before making a move. If Stanton’s absence extends beyond Opening Day, bringing in a veteran bat like Martinez could provide stability. However, if Stanton is only expected to miss a short period, the team may opt to rotate internal options through the DH spot rather than commit to an external addition.

Another factor is the Yankees’ luxury tax situation. New York is already over the highest penalty threshold, with an estimated payroll tax figure of approximately $305.1 million. If the team signs Martinez, even at a reduced rate from his $12 million salary in 2024, they would be taxed at 110% on every additional dollar spent, making financial flexibility a concern.

Giancarlo Stanton has yet to swing a bat this spring, and it has been nearly six weeks since he last attempted any baseball activities. Given his injury history, the team is proceeding cautiously to ensure he is fully recovered before resuming baseball activities.

Even once Giancarlo Stanton is cleared, he will likely need additional time in extended spring training to regain his timing at the plate. This makes it increasingly probable that his absence will extend beyond just Opening Day. With the season fast approaching, the Yankees must determine how to compensate for Stanton’s absence, whether through an external addition like J.D. Martinez or by utilizing internal options at designated hitter.

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