The New York Yankees are entering spring training with a clean bill of health, setting the stage for a promising run at their 27th championship. However, Giancarlo Stanton, the powerhouse designated hitter, is managing a chronic elbow injury that’s more than just a minor inconvenience. In a candid conversation with NJ.com's Randy Miller, Stanton revealed the everyday challenges he faces due to his condition.
“Not while I’m in this line of work,” Stanton said, reflecting on the possibility of ever being fully healthy. “You have your good days and bad days, just like your mood and everything.
I can’t open a bottle. I can’t open a bag of chips … a bag of anything.
That’s the way it is.”
The image of Stanton, a towering figure known for his home-run prowess, struggling with simple tasks like opening a bag of chips is striking. Yet, despite these hurdles, his performance at the plate remains formidable. Last season, Stanton blasted 24 homers in just 77 games, even as the elbow injury sidelined him for 85 games.
Stanton's contributions were pivotal during the Yankees' 2024 World Series journey. His postseason heroics, highlighted by a 1.048 OPS, earned him the ALCS MVP against the Guardians. His ability to stay on the field, even in a limited capacity, could be crucial for the Yankees' championship aspirations.
With two years left on the massive contract he inked with the Miami Marlins in 2015, Stanton’s time with the Yankees has been a mix of highs and lows. The Yankees have managed his injuries effectively over the past two seasons, but the big question remains: Can they keep Stanton in peak condition for another postseason run, or will his elbow issues finally catch up with him? The answer could define New York's season.