Yankees GM Brian Cashman outlines plan for Giancarlo Stanton’s return

There had been reports that Stanton would be back this weekend, but it seems more likely that a return before the All-Star break would be reasonable. Last week, manager Aaron Boone said he expected a decision about Stanton’s rehab assignment before the team left for the West Coast road trip they are currently on.

He will need a limited rehab because he no longer plays defense.

Because of his injury history, Stanton has mostly been relegated to being a designated hitter. He has not played in the outfield since 2023.

In seven seasons with the Yankees, Stanton has hit 103 home runs and slashed .241/.323/.483 in 663 games. Last season in the postseason, Stanton hit seven homers in 14 games.

Stanton is entering the 11th year of the 13-year, $325 million deal he originally signed with the Marlins. He will be paid $32 million this season and $15 million the next two seasons. There is a club option for 2028.

The Yankees have been able to survive without Stanton thanks to the resurgence of Paul Goldschmidt and Ben Rice’s breakout season. When Stanton returns, the Yankees will have to figure out how to divvy up the playing time.

“Those things tend to work themselves out before you have to make decisions,” Cashman said.