Giancarlo Stanton’s Peak Return to Enhance New York Yankees’ World Series Chances? Star Slugger Back to Top Fitness

Injuries are a regular part of baseball. They impact every team and could affect any player. But in recent years, few have faced the injury troubles and poor form that New York Yankees’ star Giancarlo Stanton experienced. Similar nagging issues impacted his 2023 season, but now, the star slugger seems to be nearing peak form. Is “the work he did in the offseason starting to pay off for him right now early on”?

This spells fantastic news for the Bombers as they eye a 2024 resurgence. Stanton’s importance cannot be understated as the former MVP plays a crucial role in the team. Now as the season nears, his improving form will be an important factor in the Bombers’ 2024 aspirations.

Giancarlo Stanton’s fitness: A massive positive for the New York Yankees 

In recent weeks, it has been made clear that Giancarlo Stanton is returning to a high level of physical fitness. This is a massive bonus for the Yankees as they look for Stanton to add his firepower to a stacked hitting lineup. Recently, Bombers manager Aaron Boone spoke to the New York Post on Stanton’s fitness with a positive outlook. 

“I know by all the assessments and everything, he’s(Stanton) in a great place strength-wise,” Boone said before Stanton played five innings in a scoreless tie at Steinbrenner Field. He further added, “The fact that he’s eager to get in there [the outfield] this early, we’re still in February and he’s already out in the outfield. I think those are all good signs about where he’s at and how he feels about his body right now.”

In today’s exhibition game between Yankees and the Miami Marlins, Stanton went 1-for-2, showing his adjustments by scorching a single against a 97 mph fastball from lefty Ryan Weathers, driving it the opposite way.

Instead of making major adjustments to his swing, Stanton mentioned after the game that he’s simply keeping his hands slightly closer to his body. “Just getting back to the rhythm,” Stanton said. “My timing’s good. It has been good with it.”

Moreover, new hitting coach James Rowson emphasized that Stanton’s comfort level with the minor adjustment to his stance is key. “He feels good and that’s a big part of it,” Rowson said. “So I think the work he did in the offseason is starting to pay off for him right now early on.”

The Bombers need Stanton to play a full season 

Over the last 5 seasons, Giancarlo Stanton has experienced multiple stints on the injury list. This has left the New York Yankees without firepower, with Aaron Judge being the only source of consistent slugging. With Juan Soto, that responsibility eases greatly, but Stanton needs to step up. His fitness and the ability to be impactful on defense will be crucial for the Bombers’ lineup. 

There have been times that the star slugger has looked ineffective when playing at the DH position. Getting reps in the outfield will surely help build confidence and fluidity in his motions. Do you think his return to fitness will help the New York Yankees in their 2024 resurgence? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below.