After the worst season of his career, New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton knew he needed to make some big changes this offseason leading up to 2024.
The change was evident when Stanton reported to Yankees spring training in Tampa Bay, where he looked much slimmer than his usual muscular stature.
But that doesn’t mean Stanton, who hit 402 home runs during his 14-year MLB career, won’t be forcing baseball over the fence again this season. But according to the New York Post, it was a calculated change this offseason, as he wanted a physique that was “more movement-based.”
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New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge and outfielder Giancarlo Stanton participate in spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA Today Sports)
When asked why he made this physical change, Stanton replied, “I wanted to be a baseball player again.” “I needed more mobility. There were a lot of setbacks.” [last season] Because of that, I couldn’t move as much as I wanted. ”
Now, Stanton didn’t reveal his weight, but he’s certainly down from the 245 pounds he weighed last season when he was 6-foot-6. He said he ran more this offseason, but his athleticism goes beyond looking slimmer.
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Stanton also said he would make “some changes” to his swing from the right side of the plate, according to the newspaper. The 2017 National League MVP played in 101 games last season and hit a career-low .191 with an on-base percentage of .275, but he said it wasn’t enough for a Yankees team that struggled.
Stanton, 34, knows he needs to produce on a team that wants to win the World Series, but he hasn’t played in a World Series since 2009, when they won it all.
“If we don’t produce, we’re going to have to make adjustments and methods on all fronts to make the lineup as optimal as possible,” Stanton explained. “So it’s my job to do that.”
Stanton’s height also plays into the plethora of injuries he has battled in recent years. Last season, a hamstring injury appeared to hinder his ability even after returning to the diamond. During a day game at Yankee Stadium, he infamously walked from second base and was ejected at home plate while jogging.
When asked why he made the change, Giancarlo Stanton answered, “To get back to being a baseball player.” (Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA Today Sports)
GM Brian Cashman also understands that a lower-body injury is likely for Stanton at this point in his career.
“He’s probably going to get hurt again, because that’s part of his game,” Cashman said this offseason, according to the Post.
Whether or not Stanton likes Cashman’s comments doesn’t seem to matter to him, who has endured a long list of injuries since joining the Yankees in 2018.
But with the new year comes new opportunities, and Stanton is determined to make the most of them.
“I came here to help the team produce and win championships,” he said. “That’s not happening and it needs to be.”
New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton said, “I came here to help the team win championships.” (Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA Today Sports)
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A healthy and productive Stanton joins a Yankees roster that also includes 2022 AL MVP Aaron Judge and rookie Juan Soto, whom Cashman traded this offseason to add more left-handed players to the outfield. is indispensable.
