A FAMILIAR FACE JUST BECAME A POTENTIAL STANTON REPLACEMENT

With Giancarlo Stanton set to start the season on the injured list, the Yankees are once again staring at a familiar problem—how to replace a big bat in the lineup. Naturally, the rumor mill has been working overtime, with names like J.D. Martinez emerging as possible short-term solutions. Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees have at least reached out to Martinez, which could be nothing more than due diligence—or a sign that they’re looking for a cheap, low-risk fix.

But here’s the thing: The Yankees don’t necessarily need to bring in an aging slugger when a younger, more versatile option is just sitting there—Alex Verdugo.

Verdugo remains unsigned, and the Yankees already know what they’re getting with him. He put up solid numbers in the Bronx last season, understands the market, and wouldn’t require an adjustment period. As I pointed out on BYB, in our article JD MARTINEZ CHATTER GETTING LOUDER, the Yankees have other internal options as well:

"If a short-term deal can be struck, Martinez could be an intriguing option. However, the Yankees also have in-house alternatives—one being a familiar face in Anthony Rizzo. Utilizing Rizzo in a designated hitter role would eliminate the need for him to play defense, and while he’s a lefty, the primary goal here is power at the plate, isn't it? Another potential option is Alex Verdugo, who remains unsigned but has a proven ability to hit. Unlike Martinez, these alternatives would provide a younger and possibly more versatile solution." 

 And, Newsweek running with it, making a case that actually makes all the sense in the world:

"Bringing back Verdugo to the Bronx would be a win-win for the Yankees. This is a team that never officially replaced Juan Soto and could benefit from a player who brings some spark to the lineup. It would also allow the organization to rotate him into left field if the Yankees decide to roll the dice with Domínguez."

That’s exactly it. The Yankees never truly replaced Soto’s presence, and while Verdugo isn’t Soto (no one is), he’s still a reliable bat with defensive flexibility. His original market value was estimated at $60 million over four years, but with Opening Day fast approaching, that kind of deal seems unlikely.

Instead, the Yankees could probably land Verdugo on a one-year, $9 million contract—a perfect low-risk, high-reward move. That's a Newsweek idea and I love it. It fills an immediate need while giving Verdugo the chance to bet on himself before hitting free agency again in 2026. And even if Stanton makes a swift return, there’s no harm in having a quality depth piece ready to go.

Every player has slumps, every player has down years. But Verdugo has been clear—he’s looking for a short-term deal and a shot to rebuild his value. Given his familiarity with the Yankees and his ability to contribute right away, this move just makes too much sense.

Now, the only question is: Will the Yankees pull the trigger, and will it come in the dead of night when no one's paying attention?