Giancarlo Stanton's journey with the New York Yankees is a testament to resilience. As the 2026 season approaches, Stanton isn't focused on the usual metrics like launch angle or exit velocity.
Instead, he's navigating the daily grind of managing chronic pain. After missing the first 70 games of the 2025 season due to elbow issues, Stanton still managed to crush 24 homers in just 77 games.
That's the kind of power that keeps pitchers up at night.
However, the challenge is clear: Stanton is dealing with chronic bilateral tennis elbow, a condition that isn't going away. The Yankees understand this is about long-term management, not a quick fix.
Rest days are now a permanent part of his schedule. In a candid conversation on February 26, Stanton revealed the severity of his condition, saying, "I can’t open a bag of chips."
This stark admission underscores the daily pain he endures, yet Stanton is determined to play a full season.
Despite his struggles, Stanton's 2025 performance was nothing short of remarkable. With a .273 average and a .944 OPS, he exceeded his career norms.
His power remained undiminished, homering every 11.7 plate appearances, echoing his 2017 MVP form. Over his final 62 games, Stanton was on fire, hitting .285 with 23 homers and a 1.019 OPS.
Stanton also achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 450 career homers, becoming the fifth-fastest player in MLB history to reach this mark. When he's on the field, Stanton is still a force to be reckoned with. As he aims to make his spring debut on March 3, fans and teammates alike are hopeful that he can continue to defy the odds and deliver another standout season.