Yankees Could Reunite With This $60 Million Player to Fill Void at DH
The New York Yankees are looking at their options to fill the void left at designated hitter. The organization has no timetable for when Giancarlo Stanton could return to the team, and the Yankees need to find an alternative. While there has been speculation about Jasson Domínguez potentially taking over as the DH, his play hasn’t warranted the opportunity. Instead, the Yankees should bring back this $60 million slugger to fill the gap who is very familiar with playing at Yankee Stadium.
Alex Verdugo had a bit of a down year in 2024 — .233 average with 13 home runs and 61 RBI. In terms of batting average, it was his second-lowest in his career. However, Verdugo tied his career-high in the home run department. 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.
Verdugo’s market value is currently $60 million over four years. With the 2025 season this close to commencing, it’s hard to see Verdugo receiving a multi-year deal or even a one-year deal at that price. The Yankees could probably get Verdugo on a one-year, $9 million deal. It would help the organization fill a temporary need while giving Verdugo a chance to bet on himself before hitting free agency again in 2026. Even if Stanton returns in a month, it doesn’t hurt the Yankees to have an additional depth piece.
The Seattle Mariners have reportedly been shopping their ace, Luis Castillo, this winter.
Castillo has quite a bit of money left on his contract, and he should net a decent return on the trade block. There are a few teams who would likely be interested in acquiring the righty.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently predicted the Mariners would trade Castillo to the Baltimore Orioles before the 2025 season ends.
“Both could be on the move this summer, though, if the Mariners feel OK with rolling with Emerson Hancock and/or reach a point where they need to consider drastic measures in order to improve the state of their lineup,” Miller wrote. “And the Baltimore Orioles would almost have to be interested here.
“Not only is the O’s current starting rotation maybe the worst among World Series hopefuls, but they have each of Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano signed through only this season, so they are destined to be in the market for at least one quality arm next off-season.”
The Orioles desperately need to add a starting pitcher this season. They had Corbin Burnes last season and have failed to replace him this winter. With stars like Castillo on the market, it’s hard to imagine the Orioles won’t land a trade for one of these aces.
The Orioles and Mariners could come together in a trade where Baltimore is sending big league position players to Seattle in exchange for Castillo. It’s the framework of a deal that could work for both sides.
