Overview

• Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with tendon issues in both elbows and is undergoing medical testing in New York, making his availability for Opening Day unlikely.
• The Yankees are reportedly considering 37-year-old free agent J.D. Martinez as a short-term solution for the designated hitter position.
• Martinez, a 15-year MLB veteran, hit 16 home runs in 2024 but showed signs of decline, with a career-low OPS outside of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
• The team has ruled out promoting top prospect Spencer Jones to the DH role, as he is still in development after reworking his swing.
• Other internal options, such as Ben Rice, are being discussed, but the organization faces challenges balancing immediate needs with player development.