Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton Uncertain for 2025 MLB Opening Day Due to Elbow Injury

There is uncertainty regarding Giancarlo Stanton's status for Opening Day as the New York Yankees begin Spring Training.

Bryan Hoch of MLB.com noted Sunday the slugger is dealing with "discomfort in both elbows, which Aaron Boone likened to tennis elbow." The manager also said it has been an issue since last season.

"I don't know," Boone said when asked whether Stanton would be available for Opening Day, per Hoch. "I'm not going to put any timeline on it. We're just going to be smart with it."

Stanton figures to be even more important than usual for the Yankees this season after Juan Soto left to join the New York Mets. The Bronx Bombers will need his offensive production to help make up for the loss of one of the best players in the league.

At his best, Stanton can still be one of the league's top power hitters.

His resume includes a National League MVP, two Silver Sluggers and five All-Star Game selections, although he wasn't quite that dominant in 2024 as he slashed .233/.298/.475 with 27 home runs and 72 RBI.

Yet Stanton was much better in the playoffs, which is a major reason the Yankees reached the World Series.

He slashed .273/.339/.709 with seven home runs and 16 RBI in 14 games while anchoring New York's lineup for extended stretches. He captured the American League Championship Series MVP in the process as the Yankees eliminated the Cleveland Guardians in just five games.

While Stanton figures to be an important part of making up for the lost production of Soto, the front office did add Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger this offseason as well. That duo can also help the team remain afloat if Stanton is forced to miss any time.

New York starts the season on March 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers.