Those who play for the New York Yankees have their reputations defined by their postseason performance. However, no matter how well he’s played in October, Giancarlo Stanton’s inability to stay healthy has frustrated many fans.
That frustration reached new heights on Saturday, as manager Aaron Boone announced Stanton suffered a strained left calf while running the bases. While Boone didn’t officially rule him out for the season, a return remains unlikely considering the impending postseason and the Yankees’ depth at the DH position. The 36-year-old slugger has not played since April 24 due to hamstring and calf injuries.
Another Lost Season
For Stanton, the 2026 season represents another campaign defined by unavailability. Since joining the Yankees via trade in 2018, the former National League MVP has missed 558 regular-season games due to various injuries. Only twice has he played 115 or more games: 2018 (158) and 2021 (139).
In 2019, Stanton missed 144 total games due to a left bicep strain and right knee sprain. The following season, he missed 37 games due to a left hamstring strain. In other words, he played fewer games in 2019 (18) than he did in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season (23).
As mentioned earlier, 2021 saw him play in 139 games, as the 17-year veteran missed two weeks in May with a right quad strain. However, that health was short-lived, as Stanton missed 52 games in 2022 with right calf inflammation and left Achilles tendinitis.
In 2023 and 2024, Stanton missed a combined 109 games with a left hamstring strain. He also missed the first 70 games of the 2025 season due to elbow inflammation, an injury that ultimately lingered into spring training of 2026.
He began the 2026 season healthy and excelled, recording multiple hits in the first five games of the season. However, in an April contest against the Houston Astros, Stanton reinjured his left hamstring. He landed on the IL, where he’s been since.
Stanton’s Questionable Future
While Stanton’s 2026 season looks questionable, so does his Yankee tenure. 2027 represents the final guaranteed year of Stanton’s 13-year, $325 million contract he signed with the Miami Marlins in 2014. In 2028, the five-time All-Star has a club option, something the Yankees could easily decline. In 2029, Stanton becomes an unrestricted free agent.
If This Is It…
Stanton, the active home run leader in Major League Baseball with 456, remains a polarizing Hall of Fame candidate. On one hand, he’s been one of baseball’s best postseason performers, posting a .926 OPS and earning the 2024 ALCS MVP award in 48 career games. On the other hand, he’s missed nearly half of his career due to various injuries. If he reaches 500, that should do it — but he has to actually play in games to hit homers.
More Major League Baseball Articles
More New York Yankees Articles
More MLB Articles
- Categories
-
Major League Baseball
New York Yankees
