Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the Yankees have been in contact with J.D. Martinez, a slugging designated hitter who could provide a boost to the lineup while Giancarlo Stanton is sidelined. Last season with the Mets, Martinez posted a 108 wRC+ and 0.6 fWAR, hitting 16 home runs in 120 games, though there was a notable gap between his actual and expected metrics. The Yankees remain hopeful for Stanton’s return but face uncertainty regarding the timeline.
Without Stanton, the Yankees’ offense is in a tough spot, but adding Martinez would introduce its own roster challenges. Heyman notes that the team is hesitant, given their expectation that Stanton will return during the season.
Martinez, who spent 2024 with the Mets, was a key contributor in the first half of the season before his production dipped after the All-Star break, with his OPS falling from .806 to .623. However, his ability to drive the ball to right field could make him a better fit for Yankee Stadium, where he would have hit six additional home runs last season, bringing his total to 22.
With a strong opposite-field approach, Martinez could take advantage of right field, but the Yankees also have young internal options like Ben Rice for the DH role. A potential scenario could involve Martinez on a low-cost deal, getting most of his at-bats against left-handed pitching while Rice handles right-handers. In 2024, Martinez slugged .466 against lefties with a 139 wRC+, a skill set that could be valuable in Stanton’s absence.
Both Martinez and Stanton are aging right-handed sluggers with limited defensive utility, making Martinez a short-term fit but a questionable long-term option. At this stage, Martinez is unlikely to play in the outfield, and the Yankees have no plans for Stanton to do so either.
The Yankees’ interest in Martinez could suggest concerns about Stanton’s health or a belief that they can acquire a veteran bat at a bargain. Roster construction is a factor, as any free-agent signing comes with a 110% tax, making the team hesitant to commit significant money. However, if Martinez remains unsigned, he may have to take whatever deal he can get. Having already missed the first week of Spring Training, his options are shrinking. With most high-spending teams set at DH and lower-budget teams reluctant to add salary, the Yankees could potentially capitalize on the situation.
