MAJOR-NEWS: Proposed Mets, Yankees Trade Would Replace Giancarlo Stanton With $78 Million All-Star

The New York Yankees may be without Giancarlo Stanton to start the season due to elbow pain in both arms, with reports from CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa stating he will be shut down for three to four weeks. In Stanton’s absence, the Yankees could turn to a designated hitter to fill the gap.

Starling Marte of the New York Mets, who is likely to see a reduced role following the Mets’ attempt to trade him earlier this winter, could be a potential fit for the Yankees. Athlon Sports’ Jake Elman suggested a trade where the Yankees would acquire Marte in exchange for starting pitcher Allen Facundo and catcher/first baseman Rafael Flores.

Elman pointed out that while the trade might seem modest for a 36-year-old outfielder, the Mets would likely absorb some of Marte’s salary. In this scenario, Marte, who mostly played right field for the Mets in 2024, would allow Cody Bellinger to stay in center field, while also giving Aaron Judge more regular at-bats as a designated hitter. If Stanton misses time, veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt could also step in as DH.

Although Marte is content with his current role on the Mets and the team’s efforts to trade him after signing Juan Soto, his diminished power could mean his future as a starting player may be limited. Marte, a two-time All-Star, had a productive 2024 season and signed a four-year, $78 million deal with the Mets in 2022.

If he’s okay with being a bench player for the Mets, the Yankees could offer him a larger role while Stanton recovers, with the option of moving him back to a reserve role later on. He would still have the chance to play in the outfield for the Yankees in this arrangement.