Giancarlo Stanton continues to battle ongoing difficulties with his elbow, impacting his ability to perform everyday tasks. On Wednesday, the veteran slugger disclosed he is dealing with tennis elbow (epicondylitis), making simple actions like opening a bag of chips or a bottle a challenge, all while preparing for the 2026 Spring Training season. Despite these hurdles, Stanton intends to compete in a full season with the New York Yankees.
Last year, Stanton’s elbow problems surfaced early in Spring Training, where he reported severe pain in both arms. The five-time MLB All-Star missed Opening Day and returned on June 16, ultimately appearing in 77 regular-season games. During that abbreviated season, he hit 24 home runs with 66 RBIs, batting .273/.350/.594. However, the Yankees’ season ended after a loss in Game 4 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Heading into the spring, concerns remain about Stanton’s physical condition. He told Randy Miller of NJ.com,
“I can’t open a bottle. I can’t open a bag of chips … a bag of anything. That’s the way it is.”
Despite these limitations, Stanton is focused on returning to the lineup and competing at full strength.
Stanton Opts Against Surgery Amid Ongoing Elbow Issues
Giancarlo Stanton, who joined the Yankees after his MVP season with the Miami Marlins in 2017, has faced challenges staying healthy enough to play a full 162-game season for New York. The closest he has come was in 2018 with 158 games, followed by a high of 139 in 2021. His tennis elbow has reportedly persisted since 2024, yet Stanton elected against surgery. He explained that while surgery would allow him to return to typical daily activities, it would not restore the extreme force required to hit baseballs powerfully.
You get the surgery and you can go back to being in the general population in a few months, but my job is to put some of the most force into a batted ball. … That’s not going to be fixed in surgery.
Giancarlo Stanton said
This decision to forgo surgery has frustrated Yankees fans and commentators alike. On WFAN’s The Carton Show, host Craig Carton harshly criticized Stanton’s choice, labeling it as malfeasance toward the fanbase.
If you can’t open up a bag of chips seven months after your last at-bat, then you should have the freaking surgery, and I’m bothered by it. Because we deserve you being at your best, and there’s no way you’re going to be at your best, so I just think we deserve better on that one.
Craig Carton said regarding Giancarlo Stanton and Yankees not opting for surgery
This public denunciation underscores the tension surrounding Stanton’s health and the Yankees’ commitment to fielding their top talent.
Yankees’ Plans Ahead of the Season Amid Stanton’s Recovery
According to Randy Miller, the Yankees intend to have Stanton participate in an exhibition game against Team Panama before the World Baseball Classic (WBC). After that, the team will provide a two-week hitting window to prepare him for the regular season opener against the San Francisco Giants. Despite the physical challenges, Stanton aims to be active and productive for New York as the season begins.
Stanton Reflects on His Ongoing Career with the Yankees
As Stanton prepares for his ninth season with the Yankees in 2026, he acknowledges that his journey with the team is still unfolding. He joined New York in 2018 following a standout 2017 season with the Miami Marlins, during which he was named National League MVP after hitting 59 home runs. That season also marked the rookie debut of Aaron Judge, who hit 52 home runs and won the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
The presence of Stanton and Judge was anticipated to form a formidable power duo. While the pair has delivered strong offensive performances, ultimate success, specifically a World Series title, has eluded them. After Stanton earned the American League Championship Series (ALCS) MVP title with four home runs against the Cleveland Guardians, the Yankees fell short in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Reflecting on his tenure, Stanton emphasized the importance of championship success with the Yankees, stating,
The story is still being written. But the point of being a Yankee is being a champion. There’s always going to be a stain there without that.
Giancarlo Stanton told the reporters
Stanton’s statement highlights his determination to contribute meaningfully and bring a championship to the Bronx.
Yankees Seek to End Longest Championship Drought in Franchise History
The Yankees have not won a World Series since 2009, marking the longest title drought in their storied history at 16 years. Stanton, with two guaranteed years remaining on his contract plus a club option for 2028, is motivated to help the team end this prolonged wait. His commitment to overcoming injuries and maintaining performance will be critical as the Yankees aim to reclaim baseball’s top prize.
Giancarlo Stanton plans to make his spring debut next week and play a full season despite tennis elbow preventing him from doing simple tasks pic.twitter.com/dvlQ5VUsYP
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) February 26, 2026
Craig went off on Giancarlo Stanton not getting surgery on his elbows after last season:@craigcartonlive pic.twitter.com/4eZOCCq9CX
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) February 26, 2026
Giancarlo Stanton: “The point of being a Yankee is being a champion.”
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) February 17, 2026
