The Yankees have a crowded outfield, and that’s good for their depth. In the event of an injury, they have several capable bodies that are talented enough to fill in either in the short or in the long-term.
In total, they have three capable, starting-caliber center fielders in Aaron Hicks, Brett Gardner and Mike Tauchman, and Zack Granite as insurance. Of course, all of those names could play in the corners if needed, plus Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Miguel Andujar and Clint Frazier.
If the Yankees are going to maximize that depth, they should be taking advantage of the DH spot and plugging Stanton there in a near-everyday basis.
The Yankees should protect what they value
Last season alone, Stanton suffered a right knee sprain, a left biceps strain and a calf issue, which prompted to him appearing in only 18 regular season games. Of course, sticking to DH duties won’t fully eliminate the risk of suffering an injury, but it will diminish it and that’s what the Yankees are looking for.
And, considering that they have at least four or five other bodies who can capably play his position, playing Stanton exclusively as a designated hitter makes too much sense.
Of course, the Yankees should be looking to minimize injury risks given that Stanton is signed through 2027, with a 2028 club option, to a heavy contract, among the priciest in the league.
Even in a short season, the Yankees should be using him strictly as a DH, with only an appearance or two in left field here or there. There is simply too much at stake to lose him for a significant period of time.
The fact remains that, in the long-term, the Yankees need Stanton to be productive at the plate. But in order to be there, he needs to be healthy.