Is Giancarlo Stanton a problem for the New York Yankees?

Despite the pitching moves for the New York Yankees this offseason, not much has gone on for Brian Cashman and his ballclub. It’s clear that the Yankees aren’t interested in young phenom Bryce Harper, however, it does seem as though they would love to welcome aboard Manny Machado. But is the famous Giancarlo Stanton trade creating havoc for the Yankees and their future?

Last offseason, Derek Jeter, now owner of the Miami Marlins, went on a trading spree. He created much excitement in New York as the Yankees welcomed their new MVP player, Giancarlo Stanton. What Yankee fans and Cashman may not have realized is that by making this trade they have now created a cluster of issues.

Other than the fact that they now owe Stanton excessive amounts of money, and traded away a valuable piece in Starlin Castro, they have now created a major traffic jam.

The issue begins with doubles machine, Miguel Andujar. The 23-year-old had a batting average of .297 with 47 doubles and 27 home runs. The major downfall for Andujar is his inability to field his position at third base. Very similar to rival third basemen Rafael Devers, he can hit, but fielding isn’t exactly a strong spot. The Yankees feel Andujar can and will figure out this defensive issue, but it’s clear that this kid is meant for the designated hitter role. Unfortunately, that spot has already been taken.

Stanton provides obvious power, with 38 home runs and 100 RBI’s in 2018. It’s safe to say that this athlete can mash at the big league level. But what comes with that raw power is the inability to be productive in more important ways. Stanton struck out 211 times in 2018 and struggled tremendously in the playoffs.

Over the last few years, it has been made aware that quality at-bats throughout an entire lineup are needed in order to win a World Series. Having an already power hitter in Aaron Judge, who is a much better and natural baseball player than Stanton, there is no room for another. With the lack of defense, guys like Andujar and Gary Sanchez need to have opportunities in that DH spot. Both Andujar and Sanchez will provide the Yankees with consistent quality at-bats, unlike Stanton.

Stanton creates holes within that lineup, and he is blocking the Yankees from becoming a better ballclub. Manny Machado wants to be a New York Yankee, which leads me to believe he would have no issues with moving to third when Didi Gregorius returns. With Manny at third and Andujar as the DH, the Yankees lineup is much deeper, with better defense and more quality at-bats. The only factor that prevents this from happening is the regretful trade for All-Star Giancarlo Stanton.