TRADE IDEA SENDS STANTON TO SEATTLE... BUT WHO WE TRADING FOR?

Let’s be real here: the Yankees have a lot invested in Giancarlo Stanton—financially and otherwise. And before anyone gets too eager to ship him off the moment he returns from the injured list, let’s take a moment to remember what he did in the postseason just last year: a .300 batting average, four home runs, nine RBIs, a 1.222 OPS, five walks, and even a stolen base for good measure. In other words, he was a force. He carried the Yankees’ offense during their most important stretch, and now people are seriously talking about trading him? I know—it sounds insane.

But according to Zach Howell of ClutchPoints, this might be on the table. Howell floated Stanton as a potential trade candidate for the Yankees once he’s healthy, suggesting he could be a great fit for the Seattle Mariners down the stretch. Here's what Howell had to say:

“At this point in his career, Stanton presents an unfortunate truth. He will likely never make it through a full season ever again while playing in MLB. However, that doesn’t make him undesirable for a team looking for a surplus of talent, like the Mariners.”

He’s not wrong about the injury risk. But Howell also pointed out that Stanton outperformed nearly every other Yankee during their playoff run and could very well do the same for another contender—if given the chance.

Still, let’s not get carried away here. Howell doesn’t name a single player the Yankees would get back in such a deal. He simply writes that Stanton would allow the Mariners to slide Jorge Polanco back to third base and balance out their lineup. OK... but how does that benefit New York? Who’s the return piece? That’s left completely vague, making this feel more like speculation than substance.

And here's the reality check: the Yankees don’t usually bench their big-money stars. If you’ve been watching this team, you know how this works. Giancarlo Stanton gets paid, and when he's healthy, he plays. Period. Even if someone like Ben Rice is making noise—yes, he’s been impressive—the Yankees' pecking order is set by the payroll. Look no further than Anthony Volpe, who’s been struggling badly but still finds himself in the lineup regularly. Why? Because the Yankees operate this way. Always have.

So sure, trade chatter around Stanton is fun to debate. But until there’s a real name on the table—and a team willing to take on that contract—it’s all just smoke. And when Stanton comes back? You bet he’s going straight into the lineup. 

That’s just how it goes in the Bronx.