New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton’s future with the team is uncertain following a recent calf strain, but ESPN insider Buster Olney believes the team should retain him through 2027.
Stanton has been sidelined since April 24 with a right calf strain and suffered a moderate left calf strain while recovering, complicating his return this season. He was placed on the 60-day injured list on August 25, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged a return this season will be difficult.
Olney, speaking on The Michael Kay Show, argued against releasing Stanton, stating, “There's no upside for the Yankees in releasing him now.” He pointed to Stanton’s $15 million salary for 2027 as a reason to keep him, suggesting the Yankees could bring him to Spring Training and assess his condition. Olney speculated Stanton could potentially “winds up playing 100 games and hits 30 home runs.”
Another motivating factor for Stanton to continue playing is his pursuit of 500 career home runs; he currently has 456. Olney believes reaching this milestone could bolster his Hall of Fame case. He also suggested Stanton might continue his career with another team as Aaron Judge ages and potentially takes on the designated hitter role more frequently.
Since joining the Yankees in 2018, Stanton has missed 592 regular-season games, appearing in only 56% of possible games. Despite this, he delivered a strong performance in the 2024 ALCS, hitting four home runs and driving in seven runs to earn ALCS MVP honors.
Olney anticipates Stanton will continue to attempt a comeback. Stanton is owed $25 million in 2027, with a $25 million club option for 2028 that includes a $10 million buyout, meaning his performance next season will likely determine his future with the Yankees.
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