The New York Yankees enjoyed a remarkable 2024 season, clinching the American League pennant and reaching the World Series for the first time since 2009, though they were defeated in five games by the Los Angeles Dodgers. As they head into the 2025 season, the Yankees remain among the favorites to capture the AL title once more. Despite losing Juan Soto to their rivals, the Mets, the Yankees were proactive in the free agency and trade markets, a contrast to many AL teams.
However, the path to returning to the World Series could be challenging for New York. Just before the team’s first Spring Training workout, designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton revealed he has been struggling with an elbow injury that affected him for much of last season. The 35-year-old slugger is dealing with tennis elbow, which he described saying, “Tennis elbow or however they call it is tears in tendon, so it’s not when did it feel good, when did it feel bad. There’s always the pain level there, and you got to deal with that. So, yeah, it’s just the wisest point to give time right now,” as reported via ESPN.
Although Stanton is managing the ongoing injury, he’s not overly worried about missing opening day. He acknowledged, “[I’m] definitely behind, but I mean that’s just a matter of being ready for a full go today as opposed to in a little bit. So we have five, six weeks here. It’ll be a good ramp-up from there.” Over his seven seasons with the Yankees, Stanton has tallied 162 home runs and driven in 431 runs, also earning the 2024 ALCS MVP title after hitting four home runs in New York’s five-game series triumph. However, injuries have shadowed his tenure in New York, as he has played 140 or more games only once in that span. The Yankees will kick off their season on March 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
