Yankees’ outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has been battling elbow injuries, putting the team in a rather complicated position. With Stanton’s injury concern, the New York Yankees’ broadcaster Michael Kay confirmed that the luxury tax was not preventing the Yankees from making a move. They will face the same penalty, and there won’t be much difference if they add some more. So, what’s the problem all about?
The New York Yankees were one of the five teams that ended the season within the $4 million threshold, but now they have crossed the highest tax slab by $4 million. Due to this, they will face a penalty, even if they add some $30 million on top of it. Although the Yankees have been quite budget-conscious, they would have stayed below the threshold to avoid being penalized. While the luxury tax remains a major contributing factor to the problem, it is worth mentioning that the MLB salary growth has become stagnant recently.
For the Yankees, it’s more of a problem, as they not only crossed the highest tax slab by $4 million, but they also might lose Giancarlo Stanton, who is in danger of missing the opening day. In response to this, Yankees’ broadcaster Michael Kay believes that if the Yankees want to win the World Series, they cannot let the luxury tax stand in their way. And with Stanton getting injured, Kay suggested the Yankees go for Justin Turner for $8 or $10 million. Makes sense?
ICYMI on The Michael Kay Show:@RealMichaelKay says if Giancarlo Stanton is out for a long period of time, the luxury tax can’t prevent the New York Yankees from making a move to improve. pic.twitter.com/spX0seJ7wj
— ESPN New York (@ESPNNewYork) February 17, 2025
Well, Michael Kay also said, “Either you are under it or go way over it, because $4 million over, you’re still suffering all the negative effects of going over the final tax. So why sneak over $4 million? Go over by $30 million like the Mets did; go over by $70 million like the Dodgers did.” Despite criticism, losing draft picks, and other setbacks, Kay even commended the Dodgers’ strategy for consistently going over budget. The Los Angeles Dodgers still do it to ensure that they get the best players on board. Thus, the Yankees’ broadcaster wants to add $30 million more, which can help them get someone who will be able to fill the gap in their lineup.
Yankees’ hopes of Stanton playing remain uncertain
The New York Yankees’ slugger Giancarlo Stanton hasn’t been able to swing his bat for the past few weeks, which makes his chances of making it to the opening day very unlikely. While Stanton remains a major contributor for the Yankees, who led the team to win the World Series title in 2009, the five-time All-Star has been under pain due to the tennis elbow. So, Stanton’s absence from the team is evident?
Well, Giancarlo Stanton, now 35 years of age, confirmed his pain for most of the time in 2024. Although it seemed manageable to some extent, overdoing it may have some detrimental effects on his career. In the 114 games that he played last year, Stanton had an average of.233, with 27 homers and 72 RBIs, which is quite impressive. However, the Yankees’ captain Aaron Judge is hopeful of his comeback to the mound; however, his workout has been eased down a bit to ensure that he remains healthy during the season.
So, do you think the Yankees should add $30 million more to get someone to fill the gap in their roster? Do you believe that Stanton can make a possible comeback soon? Let us know in the comment section below.
The post “Why Sneak Over?”: Iconic Yankees Broadcaster Demands Team Follows Mets’ Lead After Stanton’s Latest Injury appeared first on EssentiallySports.
