Here’s why Giancarlo Stanton to the Yankees works

Stanton works in the lineup

During their recent postseason run, starting pitching and the bullpen kept the Yankees afloat — propelling the club to Game 7 of the ALCS. However, the offense was its typical all-or-nothing self.

This transaction solves much of that issue because the presence of Stanton will alleviate pressure on the other eight hitters in the lineup. Opposing pitchers can’t work around the heart of the lineup three or four times a game.

Whether manager Aaron Boone decides to bat last year’s cleanup hitter, Didi Gregorius, second or eighth, most likely won’t be decided until camp. But either way, having a player who is coming off a 25 homer, 87 RBI campaign fill a non-traditional RBI slot, is absolutely huge.

The Yankees now possess the most feared right-handed heavy lineup in the majors. By adding Stanton to a list that includes Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and the left-handed slugging Gregorius, the Yanks would have combined to hit 169 long balls in 2017. As a team last season, the Red Sox hit 168. Stew on that, Bill Simmons.

Now plug-in a healthy Greg Bird, some combination of Brett Gardner and Aaron Hicks in leftfield/DH, Gleyber Torres at second base and Chase Headley at third base (until Miguel Andujar is ready), and well, it’s possible we see 250+ home runs hit by the Bombers in 2018.

Stanton works in the outfield

There’s no question, Stanton will remain in right field. His arm strength is on par, if not greater than Judge’s. Stanton is also very good at tracking down a ball down in the gap due to his quick first step. Besides, at this stage in his career, Stanton isn’t ready to assume a full-time DH role.

In regards to Judge, it’s amazing to think he’s just as skilled defensively as he is at the plate. There’s no doubt in my mind; the Gold Glove nominee will seamlessly transition to left field.

While it remains to be seen if he’ll do the type of things Brett Gardner has gotten us accustomed to on the warning track of Yankee Stadium, Judge has all the attributes to unseat Alex Gordon for next season’s top left field honors.

Gardner, the beloved 10-year veteran isn’t going anywhere just yet. Remember, this a 34-year-old that not only hit 21 home runs in ’17 but was also the most consistent producer come the postseason.

One of the few remaining clubhouse leaders, first-year manager Aaron Boone has the luxury of rotating Gardner and Aaron Hicks between center field and designated hitter. We’ve already seen Hicks’ penchant for visiting the disabled list.

Entering his second year of arbitration, Hicks will likely see a raise from the $1.35 million he made in ’17. A low-cost, high-output type player is exactly what the Yanks need to offset some of their other high-costs.

Still only 28, Hicks may very well be the starting center fielder come opening day 2019. However, if Clint Frazier isn’t dealt this winter for a frontline starting pitcher, he too will be itching for a chance to prove himself as an everyday player.

Frazier did show glimmers of what makes him so special during his brief 39-game debut this past season.

The Yankees avoided trading No. 3 prospect Estevan Florial, who scouts have raved over as a legitimate 5-tool player. Set to begin ’18 at Double-A Trenton, the Yanks can take their time grooming the 20-year-old blossoming star.

It’s an abundance of riches for Yankees right now. One that should come with a warning sign: that you can never have too much talent.

Adding Stanton works for the luxury tax threshold

As for the players that the Yanks are giving up, the only significant name leaving town is Starlin Castro.

At 27, having already spent eight seasons in the majors, we’ve likely seen the best Castro has to offer. While he’s still very good with the stick, his defense has always left a lot to be desired — hence the move to second base in 2015, while still with the Cubs.

Set to earn $38.7 million through 2020 (a $1M team buyout before ’20 does exist), the Yankees needed to shed some salary to stay within Hal Steinbrenner’s goal of falling below the $197 million luxury tax threshold for 2018. And since the Marlins wouldn’t budge on taking Jacoby Ellsbury in return, Castro’s contract was next on the chopping block.

With the Marlins sending $30 million to the Bronx, Stanton’s salary in ’18 is off-set at $22.7 million. Subtract Castro’s $8.6 million, while throwing in a league minimum replacement at second base, and the Yanks will somehow manage to spend the same amount they did on Matt Holliday and Castro combined, last season.

Hence the luxury tax threshold is still safe — and capable of adding a free agent arm for the rotation.

Giving up on No. 9 prospect Jorge Guzman isn’t something that was going to derail this trade. At 21, having never pitched above Short-A, Guzman has a long way to go before he’s considered big league ready.

Though he has an Aroldis Chapman-like fastball, Guzman’s control and secondary pitches lack consistency. With Justus Sheffield, Domingo Acevedo and Albert Abreu all ahead of him in the pecking order, Guzman was expendable.

The same can be said for Jose Devers (cousin of Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers), who only managed to hit .246 in the Gulf Coast League this past summer.

Opening up second base for the top overall prospect in baseball, Gleyber Torres, is also a wise move.

Though Torres still needs to prove he is fully recovered from last season’s Tommy John surgery, splitting Ronald Torreyes and Tyler Wade at second base until Torres is prime, allows for a plan of succession that includes No. 5 prospect Miguel Andujar claiming third base, once Chase Headley’s contract expires next offseason.

Adding Stanton makes too much sense not to work!

Now that we’ve covered why acquiring Stanton is a slam dunk, the only thing left for some people to complain about is the fact he’s still owed $265 million.

I’m sorry, but is it your money that general manager Brian Cashman is spending? And don’t give me this, “well I pay to go to games” and “I buy merchandise.”

You do these things of your own volition. No one makes you drop hundreds of dollars per season to support the team. Watch games at home, dressed in your Bernie Williams tee-shirt. You can even count your shekels during the 7th inning stretch to make yourself feel better.

But no longer can you call Hal’s son, cheap. No longer can you demand that the Steinbrenner family sells the club. Should you still choose to, you’ll be in the minority.

Why not enjoy the fruits of the front offices’ labor? I can’t wait for the new season to begin. I’m already scouting out spring training tickets.

The moves made over the last 16 months have been strategically brilliant. The organization just acquired the reigning NL MVP and kept one of the strongest farm systems on the planet intact. How are you not thrilled?!

The history of injuries Stanton has suffered since coming into the league in 2010 is always a concern. But as he showed during his 2017 NL MVP season, when healthy, the guy is the best slugger in baseball — hands down.

For all the pessimists waiting for Stanton to get hurt, shame on you. It’s entirely possible, Stanton, who is reportedly on a new diet and fitness regimen never again sustains a severe ailment.

Next: Transactions the Yanks should make

Call it positive thinking, call it belief. The opportunity to employ a cleanup hitter who could rewrite the history books was too good to pass up on. Don’t believe me? I hear the Mets are looking for some new fans.