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Yankees Face Salary Dilemma as Ben Rice’s Rise Pushes Giancarlo Stanton to Trade Block

MLB access_alarms2025-05-16 05:47:13 visibility9 text_decrease title text_increase

Table of Contents

Veteran Contracts vs Emerging Talent

The New York Yankees face tough roster decisions as 35-year-old Giancarlo Stanton prepares to return from elbow rehabilitation in late May. Rookie Ben Rice's explosive start to the 2025 season (.306 BA/.667 SLG/3 HR in 36 ABs) has created unexpected competition at designated hitter, forcing management to reconsider their $325 million investment in Stanton.

Stanton's Contract Challenges

Financial Burden

With $66 million remaining through 2027, Stanton's contract strains the Yankees' $289 million payroll. His defensive limitations (exclusive DH since 2023) and recent injury history (3 IL stints since 2022) complicate roster flexibility.

Yankees Face Salary Dilemma as Ben Rice's Rise Pushes Giancarlo Stanton to Trade Block

Performance Decline

Despite 2024 postseason heroics (6 HR/14 RBI), Stanton's regular-season production dropped sharply last year (career-worst 89 wRC+). The Yankees currently exceed luxury tax limits by $70 million, increasing pressure to shed salary.

Rice's Meteoric Rise

Unexpected Breakout

The 2021 12th-round pick has transformed from minor league prospect to MLB threat. Rice's 2025 Offensive surge (1.086 OPS/.419 OBP) comes with defensive versatility at first base (.993 fielding percentage) and emergency catching capability.

Roster Implications

Manager Aaron Boone praises Rice's clutch hitting (RISP average: .318) and plate discipline. With Stanton's return looming, the Yankees must choose between developing Rice or maintaining veteran presence.

Potential Trade Partners

Seattle's Interest

The AL West-leading Mariners (23-18) see Stanton as potential lineup protection for Julio Rodríguez. A trade could shift Jorge Polanco to third base while addressing Seattle's power deficit (team HR rank: 24th).

Financial Hurdles

Seattle's $140 million payroll and ongoing TV revenue disputes complicate any deal. Yankees might need to retain salary or accept mid-tier prospects like reliever Paul Sewald to facilitate a trade.

Decision Timeline

With Gerrit Cole's elbow rehab progressing and the July 30 trade deadline approaching, Yankees management faces pressure to either:

Absorb Stanton's contract through 2027
Accept reduced trade value for salary relief
Risk disrupting clubhouse chemistry with a platoon system

The outcome could shape both franchises' trajectories - potentially ending Seattle's 24-year playoff drought or giving New York financial flexibility to extend Juan Soto.