Of course it being the long, cold, boring baseball off-season, we hear all kinds of crazy New York Yankees rumors, half-truths and outright lies. Some are aggravating, some are comical, and some are absolutely ridiculous.
You choose which category a Giancarlo Stanton trade falls under.
Why would the Yankees even consider such a deal?
The 2017 NL MVP has been a member of the New York Yankees for the past year, after being acquired from the Miami Marlins in a fire-sale, salary dump last December. I distinctly remember the overnight “Stanton watch” on social media prior to the official announcement of the deal. I also remember writing an article against the Yankees picking him up, fearing an Alex Rodriguez-type failure especially at the back-end of his contract.
Giancarlo’s contract is somewhat back-loaded with salary increasing to a high level of $32 million per year in 2023, which he will be paid that year and through 2025. Then it decreases through 2029 when he becomes a UFA with a $10 million buy-out, club option for 2028. Those dollars were my concern at the time.
Stanton’s career struggles:
Also injury issues in the past were alarming along with the money concerns. Since his first season in the majors in 2010, Stanton has only appeared in 150 or more games in a season three times, with the lowest appearances in 2015 at 74. Definitely could be a deterrent at the money he makes.
His first year in Pinstripes you could say was an off-year. Stanton slashed .266/.358/.852 with 38 home runs and 100 RBI’s. He had the hardest hit ball of the season in major league baseball with an amazing exit velocity of 121.7 mph leaving his bat. And possibly the state. If anyone ever found the ball, that is.
Stanton provided stability appearing in 158 games for the Bronx Bombers only 1 less than the most in his career (159 in 2017). He was also flexible appearing in whatever role manager Aaron Boone cast him in, whether it be DH, or any of the outfield positions. He was key filling in for phenom Aaron Judge when he was on the disabled list following a wrist fracture.
The slugger will likely improve:
Keep in mind too that Giancarlo was adapting to the huge stage of New York City and the spotlight that donning Pinstripes brings. Plus adjusting to American League pitching after spending his entire career in the National League.
Given these factors and how Stanton responded, yes it was a down year for him coming off his career-best, MVP campaign of 2017, the only way to go is up for him. And it will be on the biggest stage in professional sports, Yankee Stadium for 81 games. No way are the Yankees considering trading this man.
My assessment was incorrect about him I’m glad to say. And I’m also glad that Giancarlo Stanton is a member of the New York Yankees and will remain so.