The New York Yankees will potentially be without Giancarlo Stanton to start the season. Stanton is dealing with elbow pain in both elbows and is being shut down for three to four weeks, according to CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa.
With Stanton out, the Yankees could use a designated hitter to fill the void. Starling Marte of the New York Mets has likely been relegated to a part-time role and the Mets tried trading him earlier this winter. Athlon Sports’ Jake Elman proposed this trade that brings Marte to the Bronx.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Starling Marte #6 of the New York Mets looks on during spring training workouts at Clover Park on February 17, 2025 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Rich Storry/Gettuy Images
“If the Yankees’ return seems low for a 36-year-old outfielder, consider the Mets will likely eat some of his salary,” wrote Elman. “Marte almost exclusively played right field in 2024, which keeps new Yankee Cody Bellinger in center field. That outfield alignment allows the Yankees to give Aaron Judge regular at-bats as a designated hitter. Veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt also figures to earn regular time at DH if Stanton misses time.”
Marte noted that he is content with his current role on the Mets and how transparent the team was about trying to trade him after signing Juan Soto. With Soto, Marte figures to be a designated hitter, but his bat has lost some power.
Marte is a two-time All-Star and produced for the Mets in 2024. He signed a four-year, $78 million deal in 2022. If he is fine as a bench player on the Mets, the Yankees could bring him in to play a significant role while Stanton recovers, then move him to the bench. He would still get the opportunity to play in the outfield in the Bronx as well.