The New York Yankees have officially responded to the Seattle Mariners’ reported trade proposal involving veteran slugger Giancarlo Stanton, and the verdict is in: Stanton is staying in the Bronx — for now.
Sources close to the organization confirmed that the Yankees have declined Seattle’s initial offer, which would have sent the $325 million outfielder/designated hitter to the West Coast in exchange for a package built around young pitching prospects. While the exact names involved weren’t disclosed, insiders say the Mariners were willing to absorb a portion of Stanton’s remaining salary to bolster their struggling offense.
Trade Talks Gained Momentum — But Yankees Held Firm
Talks began earlier this month as the Mariners, who missed the postseason in 2024 despite one of the league’s best pitching staffs, looked to add a high-impact bat to their lineup. With Stanton currently sidelined with elbow tendinitis, some believed New York might be ready to offload the five-time All-Star and open up at-bats for emerging stars like Ben Rice and Jasson Domínguez.
“Seattle saw an opportunity,” said one AL executive. “They have elite pitching but lacked power all last year. Stanton, even with the injuries, still scares opposing pitchers. He’s exactly the type of player who could change their lineup overnight.”
But the Yankees didn’t bite — at least not yet.
Why the Yankees Said No
While Stanton’s recent seasons have been marred by injuries — he hasn’t played more than 110 games since 2018 — Yankees management still believes in his value, particularly when healthy.
“When he’s right, Giancarlo is still one of the most feared hitters in the game,” manager Aaron Boone told reporters. “He carried us in last year’s postseason. Guys like that are hard to come by.”
Stanton hit .257 with 27 home runs in 2024, including several key blasts during New York’s playoff run. Though no longer the MVP-caliber player who smashed 59 homers in 2017, his power remains elite, and his presence in the lineup adds depth and experience.
The Yankees are also reportedly wary of dealing him without a clear upgrade or substantial salary relief. Stanton still has three years and $66 million left on his deal, along with a full no-trade clause — meaning he would have to approve any potential destination, including Seattle.
Is This the End of Trade Rumors? Not Quite
While the Yankees declined this specific offer, sources say the front office is keeping the door open for future talks — especially if Stanton returns to form midseason or if roster flexibility becomes a bigger priority.
“The Yankees didn’t shut down the conversation entirely,” said an MLB insider. “They just want to see how the roster shapes up. A hot streak from Stanton, or an injury elsewhere, and the calculus could change fast.”
For now, Stanton remains a Yankee — and with Gerrit Cole still recovering, the team appears content to keep its veteran leaders intact as they eye another postseason push.
Bottom Line
The Yankees have made their decision — Stanton stays put, but the trade buzz isn’t dead yet. As the summer unfolds, this storyline may heat up again, especially if the Mariners remain buyers and Stanton proves he’s still got power left in the tank.
