Most teams struggle to fill their designated hitter role with anyone who can offer even league-average production. The Yankees?
They might have too many good options.
Giancarlo Stanton, the longtime Bronx slugger and postseason wrecking ball, is still working his way back from a familiar cocktail of injuries — cranky elbows and that nagging calf that just won’t quit. At 35 years old and under contract through 2028, his future still matters, but it’s far from straightforward.
The twist? While Stanton rehabs, Ben Rice is setting fire to every baseball he sees.
Rice Is Forcing the Issue
It’s one thing to be a solid fill-in. It’s another to become undeniable.
That’s what Rice has done through the first few weeks of the season, slashing .306/.419/.667 with three home runs, four RBIs, and a scorching 210 wRC+. Every swing looks like it belongs in a highlight reel. His at-bats aren’t just productive — they’re dangerous.
For a team that’s built around power, Rice has stepped in and delivered like a rookie with a veteran’s edge. The more he plays, the harder it becomes to justify pulling him out of the lineup.
Stanton’s Postseason Reminder Still Lingers
Last year, Stanton was mostly steady in the regular season — hitting .233 with a .298 OBP and .475 slugging across 114 games. He launched 27 homers and drove in 72 runs. His 116 wRC+ suggested there was still juice in the bat, even if the body was cooperating less and less.
But in the playoffs? That’s where he reminded everyone what he’s capable of.
He went full monster mode, hitting .273/.339/.709 with seven bombs, 16 RBIs, and a 183 wRC+ over the course of a postseason run that felt like vintage Stanton.
It’s why he still has a role. It’s why the Yankees are still committed to finding one.
The Perfect (Platoon) Solution
Here’s where things get interesting — and maybe a bit brilliant.
Instead of choosing between Rice and Stanton, why not use both?
Platooning the two might be the cleanest path forward. Let Rice mash against right-handers, which he’s shown he can do with ease. Let Stanton handle lefties, minimizing wear and tear while maximizing impact.
It’s not just strategic — it’s sustainable. Stanton’s long history of lower-body issues and explosive, torque-heavy swings means he shouldn’t be grinding out five games a week anymore. Giving him controlled matchups and regular rest might be the key to unlocking more of that playoff version of him, without burning him out by August.
For once, the Yankees aren’t searching for a bat at DH — they’re trying to fit two into one spot. And honestly, there are worse problems to have.