As Aaron Judge remains sidelined due to a flexor strain, Yankees manager Aaron Boone faces a difficult decision about filling the void in the lineup. With Judge’s absence stretching through the 2024 season, Boone and the New York Yankees are evaluating whether Giancarlo Stanton, burdened by a $325 million contract, can step into a critical role and help stabilize the team’s threatened offense.

Judge’s injury has created a palpable impact at Yankee Stadium, unsettling the dugout, press, and fans alike. The question looming over the team is not just about who can perform on the field but about managing a complex roster and high expectations tied to Stanton’s ongoing role. Given Stanton’s history of power and defensive capability, Boone is investigating if Stanton can return to the outfield to ease the pressure, despite concerns about his health and mobility since 2023.

Boone’s Dilemma: Balancing Stanton’s Health and Team Needs

Giancarlo Stanton’s status within the Yankees is defined equally by his massive 13-year, $325 million contract and his recent physical limitations. Having not played in the outfield for over a year, Stanton now confronts another challenge—can he physically take on the rigors of defensive duties again without risking further injury? Boone has expressed caution, neither committing definitively to Stanton’s return to the outfield nor dismissing it entirely.

I don’t know how much I’ll do it or if I’ll do it,

Boone stated in an interview with Talkin’ Yanks, addressing the possibility of Stanton seeing time in the outfield.

We’re kind of listening to G (Giancarlo Stanton) and his body a little bit and seeing what it looks like.

These remarks highlight the balancing act Boone must perform between leveraging Stanton’s willingness and preserving his health for the remainder of the season.

Despite Boone acknowledging Stanton’s enthusiasm,

He’s eager to do it… He wants to be at least that occasional option,

the option remains limited. The $325 million contract is no longer viewed purely as a sign of Stanton’s value but as a restrictive factor complicating roster decisions. With Judge out and the offense struggling, the Yankees are forced to choose between relying on Stanton’s reduced defensive ability or confining him to the designated hitter role, where flexibility is limited.

Boone pointed out the realistic boundaries for Stanton’s defensive plays:

Right field at the Stadium… left field at Fenway.

By limiting Stanton to contained outfield corners, Boone aims to reduce the risk of sustaining further injuries while attempting to fill gaps in the team’s lineup. However, this cautious approach underlines the restricted options available to the Yankees during this critical period of their playoff push.

Giancarlo Stanton’s Contract: Asset or Burden?

Stanton’s contract, which originated with the Miami Marlins in 2014 and later transferred to the Yankees in 2017, has become a focal point in discussions about the team’s current struggles. Rather than serving as a straightforward asset, the contract now symbolizes a significant challenge for the Yankees as they navigate unforeseen injuries and roster limitations. Stanton’s inability to consistently perform in the field and the consequent pressure on Boone reflect how large financial commitments can influence on-field strategy during trying times.

The Yankees’ offensive struggles since Judge’s injury have amplified the stakes. Stanton’s bat remains a key element in the lineup, yet his defensive role has been curtailed. Boone is caught between maximizing Stanton’s contributions without compromising his health, a balancing act that leaves the team vulnerable and seeking alternatives.

Potential Return of Nestor Cortes: A Pitching Rivalry Rekindled

Amid the uncertainty around the outfield, the Yankees might find some relief returning to their pitching rotation. Nestor Cortes, traded to the Milwaukee Brewers earlier in the offseason, is reportedly available again as Milwaukee contemplates roster adjustments. Although surprising given Cortes’ strong performance with the Brewers, this development opens a potential avenue for New York to shore up its pitching staff.

Since 2021, Cortes has demonstrated remarkable consistency with a 3.88 earned-run average, a 1.17 WHIP, and 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings across eight seasons. His ability to maintain top-tier production makes him a valuable asset, particularly for a Yankees team wrestling with injured starters and inconsistent performances. The prospect of reacquiring Cortes, a familiar face to the Bronx clubhouse, could provide the rotation boost necessary to maintain postseason contention.

Cortes’ familiarity with the Yankees’ expectations and playoff environment adds to his appeal. Boone and the organization know what to expect from him, reducing the uncertainty that often accompanies midseason acquisitions. Bringing Cortes back would inject stability into a pitching staff that has struggled amid injuries and inconsistency throughout 2024.

Impact of Current Roster Challenges on Yankees’ Season Outlook

The Yankees’ struggle to fill the void left by Aaron Judge has exposed deeper issues within the roster, especially concerning the lack of flexibility tied to Giancarlo Stanton’s presence. Boone’s cautious approach to Stanton’s defensive use underscores the difficult choices the team faces regarding player health and on-field effectiveness. The potential short-term return of Nestor Cortes could ease pressure on the pitching staff but does not fully address offensive shortcomings.

Without Judge, the Yankees risk falling further below playoff contention as the season progresses. Stanton’s limited role and the absence of a reliable outfield replacement have left the lineup vulnerable at critical moments. Boone’s management of Stanton will continue to be closely watched as the team balances risk with the need for on-field production.

Looking ahead, the Yankees’ ability to adapt to these challenges—whether through internal adjustments or strategic trades—will be paramount. The decision to utilize Stanton in the field or restrict him to designated hitter duties, along with efforts to reinforce pitching through options like Cortes, will shape the trajectory of their 2024 campaign and potential postseason success.