Yankees Ditch Giancarlo Stanton Amid Ben Rice Surge in Trade Idea With AL Contender

The New York Yankees have endured a series of significant injuries so far this season, marching on to a first-place position in their division even without several notable stars.

Before the season even started, the Yankees lost Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, DJ LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton to injuries. Since then, Marcus Stroman, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Oswaldo Cabrera have joined them on the injured list.

And while the starting rotation faces a real need for reinforcement, the team’s offense has thrived. The Yankees have the most home runs, most total runs and highest on-base percentage of any major-league team so far, even without Stanton.

The latest update suggests Stanton could be ready to return to the team by the end of May. But with youngster Ben Rice surging, there are some real questions about how the team will keep up its hot start at the plate once he returns.

Now, a trade idea from Zachary Howell of ClutchPoints would solve that problem by moving Stanton to the Seattle Mariners.

“Giancarlo Stanton is still waiting to make his 2025 debut, recovering from injuries in both of his elbows,” Howell wrote. “However, the Yankees might no longer need him thanks to the emergence of Ben Rice. When Staton returns, Aaron Boone simply doesn’t have enough at-bats to go around, which makes Stanton potentially expendable.”

After struggling to put together a potent offense in the last couple of seasons, the Mariners have surged to a 23-18 record and a first-place standing in the American League West division. That could put them in a position to add at the trade deadline with a willingness to take on at least part of the $66 million Stanton is owed through 2027.

“The former MVP is a risky addition, but Seattle is the team to take that chance,” Howell added. “Adding him bumps Jorge Polanco back to his original position at third base, but the Mariners would have capable offensive players at every position. For a team with a middling offense, adding Stanton could propel them to even greater heights.”

If the Mariners were willing to trade back a member of their stellar pitching staff or even just take on Stanton’s salary, it’s a move that could make sense for the Yankees as Rice continues to rake.

More MLB: Yankees Insider Projects George Lombard Jr. Promotion After Oswaldo Cabrera Injury