New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season as a result of multiple calf strains that have kept him sidelined since late April.
It’s an unfortunate turn of events for the 36-year-old, who has been an integral part of the Yankees’ lineup when he has been healthy and is one of the best postseason hitters of all-time.
However, Stanton’s health has been a prominent issue for years, and the situation may be reaching its breaking point.
The former NL MVP has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract for 2027, where the Yankees owe him $25 million. If New York wanted to buy him out before the final year of his deal in 2028, it would have to pay him $10 million.
So, is there a chance that Stanton actually retires?
Chelsea Janes of SNY provided an update on the situation in a recent mailbag, and while many feel the Yankees will simply cut ties with him this winter either way, Janes isn’t so sure.
“My expectation is that this will be up to Stanton,” Janes wrote. “If he wants to try to play again – and he is just 44 home runs shy of 500 – I think the Yankees will give him that chance. Even if he is a semiregular designated hitter and a huge bench bat, his clubhouse presence probably justifies keeping him around.”
“But his legs clearly gave out on him this year, which is not a good sign for a player with chronic elbow pain, too. I would not be surprised if he decides to call it after this season, though to be very, very clear, I have not heard anyone who would know suggest that is imminent.”
Stanton arrived in the Bronx through a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins in November 2017. When he has been on the field, he has been terrific, and last year, the DH managed a .944 OPS in 77 games.
Of course, Stanton has most displayed his value in the playoffs, where he has smashed 18 home runs for the Yankees and has consistently been their most clutch bat.
Whether or not New York feel it’s worth keeping such an expensive, injury-prone player on the roster remains to be seen.
But if Janes’ suspicion is correct, the Yankees may feel like they owe it to Stanton.
