Releasing Stanton won’t erase the Yankees’ $15 million bill

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Releasing Stanton won’t erase the Yankees’ $15 million bill

Releasing Stanton won't erase the Yankees' $15 million bill — 2026 postseason archive, not a new injury, rehabilitation session or release announcement. Oct 7, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) reacts after striking out during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game three of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Alexander Wilson · Empire Sports Media

Sun, Oct 25, 2026 ·

3 min read

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The Yankees can release Giancarlo Stanton without making their 2027 payment disappear. Greg Joyce reported Saturday that New York owes him $15 million next season regardless, with Miami covering the other $10 million of his $25 million salary.

That's a reason to wait on a winter release, not a reason to hand Stanton the DH job. I'd keep the chance to evaluate him while the roster has room, then make a decision when there is an actual alternative competing for that place.

Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton at postseason batting practice in September 2026 — 2026 postseason archive, not a new injury, rehabilitation session or release announcement. Sep 29, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pinch hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) reacts as he takes batting practice before game one of the Wildcard round of the 2026 MLB Playoffs against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Yankees have already committed the money

Joyce's report makes a useful distinction between the frustration of carrying the contract and the consequences of ending the roster relationship. The Yankees would still have the reported $15 million obligation. A release would open a spot, rather than produce that amount in new spending room.

It can still be worth releasing a player whose salary is guaranteed. The spot itself has value, and keeping someone who can't contribute may prevent a better move. But that argument needs a player, a roster crunch or a clear baseball reason attached to it. It can't depend on savings that aren't there.

Stanton managed only 24 regular-season games and 96 plate appearances in 2026. He hit three homers with a .724 OPS. The previous season contained a very different offensive result: 24 homers and a .944 OPS in 77 games, even though availability was a problem then, too.

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Neither season tells the Yankees what his body will handle next spring. Together, they explain why keeping the opportunity to find out could have value, while treating him as a dependable everyday bat would be a gamble.

A roster deadline is more useful than an emotional one

New York hasn't promised Stanton his old assignment . That remains the right approach. Keeping him through the winter wouldn't require the Yankees to reserve his at-bats, stop shopping for offense or ignore another player's stronger claim to a roster place.

I would revisit the decision when a worthwhile acquisition needs the spot, or when the Yankees have new evidence about Stanton's ability to prepare and play. Waiting should have a purpose and a limit. It shouldn't become another season of building a plan around health the club can't count on.

Once a better use of the spot is concrete, the guaranteed salary shouldn't prevent a cut either. The $15 million is an obligation to account for, not a vote for Stanton in every future roster decision.

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