When the New York Yankees let Juan Soto walk in free agency, it was a tough loss. Soto was a generational talent, known for his elite plate discipline and the ability to hit against any pitcher. However, despite losing a player of his caliber, the Yankees don’t appear to be missing that production from the left side of the plate.
Left Side Holding Strong
To fill the void left by Soto, the Yankees have relied on a platoon of productive players. Cody Bellinger was brought in to handle centerfield full-time, and early in the 2025 season, he’s already showing the potential the Yankees hoped for. Alongside Bellinger, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and breakout star Ben Rice have formed a strong left-handed trio, capable of causing serious damage against right-handed pitchers. This group has helped mitigate the loss of Soto on the left side of the lineup.
The Real Issue: Right-Handed Offense
The real concern arises when a tough left-handed pitcher enters late in games, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone looks to his bench for help. That’s when the Yankees’ right-handed options become a glaring weakness.
Pablo Reyes, a 31-year-old utility man, is currently the primary right-handed option off the bench. However, Reyes, more known for his glove than his bat, is struggling mightily in 2025, with an 0-for-7 start and a concerning -45 wRC+. Oswald Peraza, who has managed a solo homer, isn’t exactly striking fear into opposing pitchers either. In short, the Yankees lack a reliable right-handed bat capable of changing the game or forcing pitchers to respect the right side of the plate. As a result, opposing managers are growing more comfortable using lefty pitchers late in games, knowing Boone’s options are limited.
The Return of Stanton
This is where Giancarlo Stanton’s potential return could make a difference. Stanton, recovering from elbow issues that have kept him out since spring training, has started light baseball activities and swinging a bat again. However, his return is still months away, not weeks.
When healthy, Stanton remains one of the few true power right-handed hitters in the game. Last season, he hit 27 home runs in 114 games and posted an incredible .709 slugging percentage in the postseason. The Yankees don’t need him to play every day, but they desperately need his bat—especially as a feared right-handed DH off the bench in key moments.
Looking Ahead
It’s clear that Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is biding his time, waiting for Stanton’s return. The trade market early in the season is always tough, and quality offensive players don’t come cheap.
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