The New York Yankees may soon see a significant boost to their lineup with Giancarlo Stanton getting closer to making his season debut.
Stanton, who has been sidelined since spring training with elbow issues, is progressing in his recovery. According to Newsweek MLB analyst Andrew Wright, Stanton’s return could prompt the Yankees to part ways with struggling veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu.
“LeMahieu is back from the IL but hasn’t contributed much on the field,” Wright noted. “If he doesn’t improve before Stanton is activated, the Yankees might finally decide to move on after seven seasons.”
LeMahieu is in the fifth year of a six-year, $90 million contract. Despite his decorated résumé—including three All-Star selections, four Gold Gloves, and two Silver Slugger Awards—his time in New York has been marred by injuries and inconsistent play. This season, he’s batting just .184 with one home run and three RBIs across 38 at-bats.
With infield options like Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Oswald Peraza waiting in the wings and Stanton’s power bat set to return, LeMahieu’s role may become expendable.
On Stanton’s progress, Yankees GM Brian Cashman provided a promising update: “He’s doing everything—he’s finished base running, hitting off our top-tier BP machine, and getting live at-bats. He’ll face live pitching over the next two weeks, and a rehab assignment is expected shortly after.”
Stanton is working his way back from tendinitis in both elbows. Last season, he posted a .233 average with 27 home runs and 72 RBIs in the regular season, then shined in the playoffs with a .273 average, 7 homers, and 16 RBIs—key contributions that helped lead the Yankees to the World Series.
He’s currently in year 10 of a 13-year, $325 million contract.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone had expressed optimism about LeMahieu’s return following a calf injury, famously saying, “DJ LeMahieu could fall out of bed and hit.” But despite Boone’s faith, LeMahieu has continued to struggle. Over his last seven games, he’s batting .130 with 7 strikeouts in 23 at-bats.
With Stanton nearing a return and LeMahieu unable to find his rhythm, the Yankees may soon be forced to make a tough roster decision.
