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Yankees Name Three DH Candidates While Still Eyeing a Right-Handed Bat

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Mar 13, 2025 7:00 AM ET

With Giancarlo Stanton's return date unknown, the Yankees are still searching for answers at designated hitter. The competition appears to be down to three left-handed bats: Dom Smith, Ben Rice, and J.C. Escarra.

"We feel really good about some left-handed options we have for right-handed pitchers," manager Aaron Boone told The New York Post. "Guys that we feel like can be really good hitters for us.”

That leaves the Yankees weighing experience, upside, and recent performance. Smith, a veteran with a track record of success against righties, brings the most major league experience. Rice, who showed glimpses of middle-of-the-order potential last year, offers a higher ceiling but is still unproven at the big league level. Escarra, who has turned heads this spring, is a late-rising prospect making a case for himself.

While the Yankees explore internal options, SNY's Andy Martino reports the team is still looking to add a right-handed bat to balance the lineup. However, no clear external solution has emerged, leaving Boone to work with the players in camp.

Whoever wins the DH spot likely will not have a right-handed platoon complement unless the Yankees make a move before Opening Day. With Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Anthony Volpe expected to carry the offense, the Yankees hope that one of these left-handed hitters can step up and provide much-needed production.

If Smith, Rice, or Escarra can seize the opportunity, the Yankees may not need to make a roster addition. But if the production falters, expect the front office to stay active in search of a right-handed power bat to bolster the lineup.

As spring training winds down, the Yankees still have unanswered questions. With Stanton's health uncertain, the battle for the designated hitter spot remains a big question mark.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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