As the 2024 MLB season winds down, the New York Yankees find themselves in a pivotal moment of reflection and transition. After a disappointing year that saw the team miss the playoffs, it’s clear that change is on the horizon. As the Yankees look to retool their roster for a return to championship contention, several players appear unlikely to be part of the team’s future plans. Here are five Yankees players who likely won’t return next season:
1. **Giancarlo Stanton**
**Position:** Designated Hitter/Outfielder
Giancarlo Stanton’s tenure in New York has been marked by flashes of brilliance, but also by injuries and inconsistency. After joining the Yankees in a blockbuster trade in 2017, Stanton was expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s offense. However, injuries have limited his production, and his struggles in the postseason have led many to question his place on the roster moving forward.
Stanton is under contract through 2027 with a significant financial commitment, but his 2024 performance will likely determine whether the Yankees decide to move on. If the team continues to struggle with the aging outfield and lack of consistent production, the Yankees may look to offload Stanton’s hefty contract via trade—although finding a taker could be a challenge. Regardless, it seems increasingly likely that 2024 could be his final season in the Bronx.
### 2. **Josh Donaldson**
**Position:** Third Baseman
Josh Donaldson was brought to the Yankees in 2022 with the hope of adding both power and defensive stability at third base. However, injuries and a decline in his offensive production have hampered his impact. The former MVP has been unable to return to his peak form, and the Yankees have already begun to explore other options at third base.
With his contract expiring after 2024 and the emergence of younger talent, such as Oswald Peraza, it seems highly unlikely that the Yankees will pick up Donaldson’s option or bring him back for another season. His time in New York has been underwhelming, and he appears to be on his way out of the Bronx, with the Yankees eager to free up space for a potential rebuild or retooling of the infield.
### 3. **Aaron Hicks**
**Position:** Outfielder
Once considered a potential centerpiece for the Yankees’ outfield, Aaron Hicks’ tenure in New York has been a frustrating series of injuries, inconsistency, and missed expectations. After a solid 2018 season, Hicks struggled to find his rhythm, and his recent years have been marred by poor performance both at the plate and in the field.
The Yankees have given Hicks ample opportunities, but his production hasn’t matched the team’s needs, especially with the emergence of younger outfielders like Jasson Dominguez and Everson Pereira. Hicks is also coming off a lengthy stint on the injured list and will likely find himself on the trade block or even released in the offseason as the Yankees look to clear space and turn to fresher talent.
### 4. **Luis Severino**
**Position:** Starting Pitcher
Luis Severino’s career with the Yankees has been a rollercoaster ride. The talented right-hander once looked like the future ace of the staff, but injuries have consistently hindered his ability to remain healthy and effective. In 2024, Severino has struggled with inconsistency, and his recent performances have failed to live up to expectations.
With Severino set to be a free agent at the end of the season, and the Yankees needing to reshape their pitching rotation, it’s highly probable that he will not be brought back for 2025. The team is in search of more reliable options on the mound, and with Severino’s durability issues and declining performance, he may be heading elsewhere or potentially out of baseball entirely.
### 5. **Wandy Peralta**
**Position:** Relief Pitcher
Wandy Peralta has been a steady presence in the Yankees’ bullpen, often providing solid relief and filling multiple roles. However, the Yankees’ bullpen is one area where change could be coming in 2025, especially as the team looks to add more high-leverage arms to complement a potential rotation overhaul.
Peralta’s ability to contribute in long-relief or middle-inning situations has been valuable, but the Yankees may opt for a more significant shake-up in their relief corps. With younger, more cost-effective options available, and the team needing to allocate resources elsewhere, Peralta’s time in New York may be coming to an end. It would not be surprising if the Yankees allow him to walk as a free agent or explore trade opportunities to bolster the bullpen’s future.
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### The Road Ahead: Change on the Horizon
As the Yankees head into the offseason, significant changes are likely. The team has a storied tradition of making bold moves to stay competitive, and with several players potentially leaving, there will be opportunities to reshape the roster. For the Yankees, it’s all about balancing veteran presence with youthful energy and preparing for the next chapter in their pursuit of another World Series title.
These departures are part of a broader trend of reinvention. New York will likely look to add both depth and star power in the coming months, particularly on the mound and in the outfield, to complement their established core players. For now, fans can expect this winter to be filled with anticipation as the Yankees chart a new course for 2025 and beyond.
