Power, prestige, and problems—the New York Yankees have them all heading into 2025. Yankees are constantly scrutinized and face a concerning issue: injuries to key players and the ongoing struggle to keep the team in contention for a championship. Giancarlo Stanton‘s ongoing injuries raise concerns about the team’s offensive potential.

Stanton’s injuries have been a familiar storyline in the Yankees’ camp for years. While his talent shines through when he’s healthy, it’s understandable that both the team and the player feel increasingly frustrated by the ongoing challenges of his injuries. The Yankees are currently facing a significant issue due to his elbow injury. The designated hitter role plays a vital part in modern baseball, and when it’s not present, it can really leave a noticeable gap in the lineup.

A recent report by Bryan Hoch, a New York Yankees reporter, stated that Giancarlo Stanton’s injury will prevent the slugger from playing at the beginning of the 2025 season. The 35-year-old slugger has tendonitis in both elbows, which will be treated with PRP injections.

When asked about the current situation of Stanton from Judge, he expressed his understanding and concern, saying, “He’s definitely frustrated, but we all want him back”. Aaron Boone knows Stanton’s hitting ability, giving the Yankees an advantage like he did last year. “He was so steady for us last year all year during the year,” Boone said. In the previous season, he played in 114 games, impressively hitting 27 home runs and driving in 72 RBIs while managing persistent discomfort.

He cannot swing a bat during spring training because of his recent injury: tendonitis in both elbows. This is not just a minor setback but a critical turning point. Can the Yankees fill the gap, or will it cost them the season?

What’s the Yankees’ backup plan after Giancarlo Stanton’s injury?

With Giancarlo Stanton sidelined, the New York Yankees are facing a reality check and must quickly adapt to fill the offensive gap as they aim for a successful start to the season. If sources are to be believed, the team is interested in J.D. Martinez as a reliable backup option. Given the uncertainty surrounding Stanton’s recovery timeline, Martinez’s proven ability to drive in runs makes him an appealing choice.

The Yankees are reportedly in “some contact” with Martinez’s representatives, suggesting they are considering acquiring him carefully. Given his history, Martinez’s inclusion in the lineup may give the Yankees the offensive boost they’ve longed for. During his 495 plate appearances with the Mets last season, he hit .235/.320/.406 with 16 home runs, suitable for a 108 wRC+.

However, Boone’s first priority is to see No. 27 back in the roster when he said, “Obviously, what he did in the postseason and just his presence in the middle. Especially in and around a lot of left-handed hitting, that right-handed presence in the middle, there’s no sugarcoating that. We miss that presence. But hopefully we get him right before too long and we’ll get him back in the middle [of the lineup] in due time.”

All eyes will be on the Yankees’ response to this scenario as Opening Day draws closer. The pressure is mounting not only for Stanton but also for team management, leaving many questions unanswered. Can he return to form and prove he is still a key member of the Yankees’ lineup, or does this injury start a decline in his dominance?