Giancarlo Stanton Playing Through Severe Elbow Pain, Aims for Complete 2026 Season With Yankees

TAMPA, Fla.—New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton is back in MLB with elbow pain that affects even daily tasks. Despite that, the veteran slugger has stated that he wants to stay in the lineup and play a complete season with the Yankees.

Stanton addressed his health before spring training hitting cage workouts. Despite another summer of recuperation, both elbows still hurt, a problem that began in 2024. Stanton believes complete relief is improbable as long as he plays professional baseball.

The five-time All-Star admitted his “good days” had limits. Due to elbow strain, opening a bottle or bag of chips is difficult for him. Still, he wants no pity. Stanton has been known for overcoming obstacles rather than making excuses.

Stanton has played in little over half of the Yankees’ regular-season games since 2019. He returned in mid-June after missing the first 70 games of last season while mending his elbow. He produced well in limited action after returning. He hit.273 with 24 home runs and 66 RBIs in 281 plate appearances in 77 games. He maintained his 2017 MVP home run rate.

His 2025 exit velocity was 94.4 mph, making him a powerful hitter. His elbows are also stressed by that strain. Stanton has openly questioned whether surgery would totally fix the condition, especially as a power hitter who needs maximal bat speed and impact.

A sports orthopedic doctor projected a two-month recovery time for surgery to clean out and perhaps repair both elbow tendons last year. Stanton declined because he was worried about returning to elite power performance after surgery.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone has lauded Stanton’s mental toughness. Boone called him a resilient model, highlighting how hard it is to compete at the top level while suffering. However, this spring, the organization is wary.

Stanton has missed the Yankees’ early Grapefruit League games as part of a gradual ramp-up. He has trained behind the scenes, taking batting practice, facing live pitching, and occasionally playing defensively in both corner outfield spots. He may make his spring debut at designated hitter on March 3 at Steinbrenner Field to prepare for Opening Day in San Francisco on March 25.

The Yankees think two weeks of steady at-bats in spring training should be plenty. For long-term productivity, the team hopes to carefully manage his workload during the regular season, including designated rest days.

Stanton returned last season with a.994 OPS, second only to his 2017 figure. His 11.7 plate appearances per home run mirrored his MVP pace, confirming his status as a dangerous hitter.

His postseason record shows his significance to the team beyond regular-season performance. He tied for 10th in postseason history with 18 Yankees playoff home runs. He leads all current players with 453 career home runs and is 47 away from 500.

Stanton said his goal is to stay in the batter’s box despite the physical toll. He feels an obligation to contribute and wants to assist the Yankees win the World Series.

A healthy Stanton might help the Yankees compete in the AL East. Stanton’s personal and professional goal is to prove he can play a full season with chronic discomfort.

Spring training will reveal whether smart management and discipline will help the veteran slugger get a complete year in the order.

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