Yankees' Stanton: 'Incomplete' Career Without Championship
TAMPA, Fla. -- Giancarlo Stanton, a five-time All-Star and 2017 NL MVP, believes his Yankees career is far from complete, stating, 'It's definitely incomplete.' The point of being a Yankee, he emphasizes, is to be a champion. At 36 years old, Stanton is entering the final two guaranteed seasons of a $325 million, 13-year contract with the Miami Marlins. Despite missing 70 games last year due to elbow inflammation, he still managed to hit .273 with 24 homers, 66 RBI, and a .944 OPS in 77 games. His elbows require constant treatment, but he remains confident, stating, 'I'm good. Ready to go.'
Stanton's presence in the Yankees' batting order is invaluable. Manager Aaron Boone highlights his impact, saying, 'His presence in the middle is just really big.' Stanton's career stats are impressive, with a .258 average, 453 homers, and 1,169 RBI in 16 big league seasons. However, he hasn't won a championship yet, and that's what he's striving for.
The Yankees are paying Stanton $64 million in guaranteed money, with $29 million due this year, $25 million in 2027, and a $10 million buyout of a $25 million club option for 2028. The Marlins owe the Yankees $30 million to offset part of his contract, making his salary more manageable. Despite this, Stanton's presence still adds to the team's luxury tax bill, which New York is likely to pay at the top rate of 110%.
Teammates seek Stanton's advice before their at-bats, as he's known for processing information effectively. Manager Boone praises his ability to learn from experiences and use them in future games. However, Stanton's focus remains on the present, as he says, 'Numbers like the next one and the next one is good for now.' He's not concerned about career stats but rather about winning the World Series each day.
Shortstop Anthony Volpe, who underwent shoulder surgery on October 14, is also making progress. He started dry swings on Monday and hopes to advance to hitting off a tee and soft toss soon. Volpe's injury and recovery process highlight the challenges athletes face, but Stanton's determination and Volpe's resilience demonstrate the dedication required to excel in professional sports.
