BIG-NEWS: Postseason Hero Now Facing Uncertainty: Yankees’ Opening Day in Jeopardy As Top Experience Veteran Superstar Player Injury Could Keep Him Off the Field

The New York Yankees entered spring training with a roster that is arguably stronger and deeper than last season, when they were American League champions. However, with Opening Day 2025 still over a month away, concerns have emerged regarding All-Star hitter Giancarlo Stanton.

Stanton, who turned 35 in November, enjoyed a career-best postseason performance, hitting 7 home runs, driving in 16 RBIs, and posting a 1.048 OPS over 14 games, at times carrying the Yankees’ offense in October. After a full offseason to rest and prepare for the 2025 season, there is now uncertainty about whether he will be ready for Opening Day.

Speaking to the media at spring training, manager Aaron Boone revealed that Stanton is “behind schedule” due to an elbow issue, which will persist throughout the 2025 season and could impact his availability for the season opener in late March. Boone explained that Stanton had been progressing with his rehab but had to pause for treatment.

Giancarlo Stanton

The team is taking a cautious approach, not wanting to rush his recovery and hoping to get his elbow to a manageable state. Boone likened the injury to “tennis elbow” and noted that Stanton played through the discomfort during the second half of last season and the playoffs. The Yankees plan to “slow play” his recovery to prevent further aggravation.

In terms of contract, Stanton will earn $32 million in 2025, $19 million in 2026, and $15 million in both 2027 and a 2028 club option.

Since 2021, Stanton has not surpassed 420 at-bats in a single season. He missed significant time last year, from June 23 to July 29, and upon his return, he posted a .210/.292/.446 line with a .738 OPS in 157 at-bats. Over the past three years, injuries have severely impacted his performance. After posting a .269/.353/.510 slash with a .864 OPS and 134 wRC+ in his first four seasons with the Yankees, Stanton’s recent numbers have dropped to a .212/.291/.454 line with a .744 OPS and 106 wRC+.

Any potential absence of Stanton would be a significant loss of power for the Yankees lineup in 2025.