Cashman: Stanton to be used exclusively as DH

Giancarlo Stanton's days in the outfield are over.

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told media Wednesday his club will go forward using Stanton as a designated hitter only, according to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com.

Stanton, 30, made zero outfield appearances during the 2020 season, making 23 starts all as the team's DH. Despite not playing defensively, the four-time All-Star was still sidelined for more than half the season with a hamstring strain.

In 94 plate appearances, the former MVP hit .250/.387/.500 with four homers and seven doubles. In 199 games with the Yankees, Stanton now owns an .860 OPS with 45 home runs.

The prolific slugger is able to opt out of his current contract this winter, which still has seven years and $218 million remaining. In the event Stanton does not opt out, the Yankees will owe $188 million of that, with the balance being paid by the Miami Marlins.

Stanton was originally acquired as a right fielder, but the Yankees have notable outfield depth and can afford to move the two-time Silver Slugger to DH. Heading into 2021, New York has Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Brett Gardner, and Clint Frazier under team control. Hicks is under contract, Gardner has a $10-million team option, Judge is eligible for arbitration, and Frazier is still pre-arb.