Things have been going rather well in the Bronx as the 2025 season inches closer to the halfway point. The New York Yankees (42-25) stand atop the American League East while holding the best run differential (+107) in all of MLB.
Even better, a reinforcement is on the way that could solidify the Bombers’ claim to another division crown.
Giancarlo Stanton Should Soon Rejoin Yankees
Giancarlo Stanton was a key part of last seasonâs pennant-winning club, and the 6-foot-6 slugger is nearing the end of his rehab assignment. Stanton appeared in his third game with the New York Yankeesâ Double-A affiliate in Somerset on Thursday night. He could rejoin the Yankees during their weekend series in Boston.
Once that eventually happens, the Yankees will have a roster decision to make.
Yankees’ Castoff Candidates
Even with Stanton sidelined since the end of spring training, the New York Yankees’ offense has been electric. They lead the league in home runs (108), walks (274), and OPS (.808).
Aaron Judge is to thank for much of that as he puts up MVP-caliber numbers yet again, but Ben Rice is one guy who also deserves a share of the credit. In 59 games – 44 as the designated hitter – Rice has an .802 OPS with 24 extra base hits and 26 RBI.
Yet even with that production, Rice could soon become the odd man out on the roster. A former catching prospect, he converted to first base last year and has yet to start a game behind the dish in the majors, only subbing in for a total of eight innings. The problem? First base is occupied by Paul Goldschmidt, who has turned back the clock so far that he could very well be an All-Star selection for the eight time in his career.
Manager Aaron Boone recently stated that the club is impressed with Rice’s limited time catching so far. Boone also said that they are working out how to give him more opportunities – presumably when games aren’t already well into blowout territory. Rice confirmed he’s open to making the change.
So if he is safe from demotion, then backup catcher J.C. Escarra could instead be the one heading down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Escarra, who had the inverse path of Rice position wise, has minor league options remaining and is only batting .237 in 26 games (17 starts).
Technically speaking, Jasson DomÃnguez also has minors options left, but The Martian has done more than enough to warrant a rotating spot in the Yankee outfield.
Is There Any Trade Bait Available?
Alternatively, the New York Yankees have a pair of struggling hitters who could be designated for assignment. The first is Pablo Reyes, a journeyman who has only played in four of the last 24 games. Other than filling it at multiple spots defensively, he holds no value to the team, even as a trade candidate.
The same can’t be said for Oswald Peraza. The former No. 3 prospect in the organization and still only 24 years old, Peraza is someone that New York should hesitate to let go for nothing. While his major league numbers have not been inspiring – especially this year, where he’s hitting .167 – there’s still plenty of potential to explore with him.
Peraza may be out of options, but he’s still under club control for another four years. Combined with his ability to move around the infield and former top prospect status, he would absolutely be appealing to a variety of others.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the New York Yankees can get by with only four true outfielders. Jazz Chisholm is better in the infield but can play center in an emergency, and of the starting three, two are guys who should be starting every game they’re healthy enough for.
Keeping three catchers on the roster may seem excessive, but Thursday night was only Reyes’s seventh start all season. In game number 67. That’s all the indication anyone needs that he is the most likely to ditch the pinstripes very shortly.
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