The New York Yankees continue to receive bad news during spring training. They already lost Luis Gil for an extended period, and Giancarlo Stanton was expected to begin the season on the injured list. However, the news on Stanton’s injury continues to get worse. What started as elbow discomfort for Stanton has turned into something worse.
Giancarlo Stanton Could Miss the Entire Season
According to Bryan Hoch, Stanton has injuries in both of his elbows, which are considered “severe.” Stanton said the injuries arose from “bat adjustments” he made last season. Stanton will begin the season on the injured list as expected, but if this injury requires surgery, he could miss the entire season.
Giancarlo Stanton said his elbow injuries are “considered severe in both elbows.” He attributes it to “bat adjustments” from last season and is unsure when he will be able to resume baseball activities. If surgery is needed, he said it would be season-ending.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 8, 2025
Stanton has battled injuries throughout his entire career. Once one of baseball’s most feared power hitters, he now struggles to stay on the field for even 100 games a season. Stanton was crucial to the Yankees’ World Series run last season. He batted .273 with seven home runs and 16 RBIs across 14 playoff games. His OPS was over 1.000, and he won the ALCS MVP.
At this point, the former NL MVP is strictly a DH, but his power still makes him valuable. If he’s out long term, the Yankees will need Aaron Judge and the rest of the lineup to step up in the power department.
Has Stanton Had a Hall-of-Fame Career?
It is no secret that Stanton is near the end of his playing career. His body is no longer holding up, and his contract is set to expire after the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028. Stanton has hit 429 home runs (the most among active players) and has a career OPS of .871. A one-time MVP, five-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner, Stanton is chasing one final milestone: 500 career homers
That number has long been a ticket to Cooperstown, N.Y. Every eligible player with 500 home runs and no steroid ties is in the Hall of Fame. Stanton, 35, needs 71 more. That is doable, but missing this entire season would damper his chances.
Reaching 500 is Stanton’s path to Cooperstown, which is why he should set his sights on that goal before he retires. It will be interesting to see Stanton’s career play out, and hopefully, he gets to go out on his terms and not because of injuries.
