The New York Yankees are coming off a successful season but one that came up just shy of a World Series championship. The Yankees lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games last October and lost Juan Soto in free agency this offseason. This team will look much different in 2025 and is already getting bit by the injury bug. Slugger Giancarlo Stanton will not be available for the Yankees to begin the season.
New York Yankees DH Giancarlo Stanton To Begin Season on IL
Due to issues in both elbows, the often-injured Stanton will not be available to begin the 2025 regular season. According to Bryan Hoch, Stanton received PRP injections in both elbows and will start the season on the injured list.
The Yankees announced that Giancarlo Stanton is still in New York attending to a personal matter. He received PRP injections in both elbows and will begin the season on the injured list. The team expects him to return to Tampa this coming week.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 1, 2025
Injuries have significantly affected Stanton’s body over the last few seasons. He can no longer play the outfield and has transitioned into a DH-only role. Also, his baserunning has been significantly impacted.
Stanton has played 114 games or less in the past three seasons. Yet, he has proven to be a power source when in the lineup. He has hit 117 home runs over the past four seasons. At this point in his career, he is a one-trick pony, but that trick is valuable.
Stanton’s Contract Woes
Unfortunately, the Yankees must pay Stanton $32 million for the 2025 season. That is an onerous contract for a player who is often injured. Stanton remains under contract with New York through the 2027 season. The Yankees have a 2028 club option on his contract with a $10 million buy-out. Stanton is not getting any younger, and you can bet the Yankees will look to get out of that contract as soon as possible.
It will be hard for Stanton to play up to his lofty contract, but that is why the Yankees carry a massive payroll each season. They consistently spend money to land top talent, which will not change.
After losing Soto in the offseason, the Yankees devoted plenty to other players. They landed starting pitcher Max Fried for over $200 million and added former MVP Paul Goldschmidt to take over at first base. The Yankees also brought Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams through the trade market. This is a team that should once again compete for a World Series.
It is anyone’s guess how many games New York will get out of Stanton in 2025, but the team hopes he can return and continue to be the slugger he has throughout his career.
