Getty

The New York Yankees swept the St. Louis Cardinals to keep their playoff hopes alive, but Giancarlo Stanton’s latest injury casts a shadow over the celebration. Stanton had just returned to regular outfield duty before his legs failed to recover from the added workload. Asked about manager Aaron Boone’s explanation, according to NJ.com’s Randy Miller, Stanton gave a blunt three-word response—“Yeah, that’s accurate.” His words confirmed what many around the league already feared: his body no longer allows him to handle more than designated hitter duties.

Locked Into the DH Role

Stanton’s issues go back years. Lower-body breakdowns have repeatedly sidelined him, with hamstring, calf, and ankle problems showing up almost every season. This latest setback highlights the same truth—he cannot play the outfield consistently.

That reality creates a major problem for the Yankees at a time when lineup flexibility matters most. Aaron Judge already spends time in the DH role while managing his own injury, leaving the Yankees boxed in. Stanton’s inability to patrol the outfield forces Boone to shrink his options, preventing him from rotating players through the DH spot for rest. In effect, Stanton has become a permanent DH, limiting roster creativity and making his contract even heavier on the payroll.

The Yankees once envisioned Stanton as a slugger who could anchor the lineup and provide depth in the outfield. Instead, his role has narrowed into that of a one-dimensional power bat. His home runs still draw attention, but they no longer outweigh the restrictions his presence creates, especially for a team clawing to secure a playoff spot in a crowded American League race.

The Contract That Keeps Getting Worse

When the Yankees took on Stanton’s massive contract from the Miami Marlins in December 2017, the reasoning made sense. New York added a reigning MVP with power tailor-made for Yankee Stadium. But even then, the downside was obvious. Stanton carried a bulky frame and a history of injuries, and as he moved into his mid-30s, those concerns became unavoidable reality.

Stanton still carries a $32 million salary in both 2026 and 2027, with a club option for 2028. Miami contributes $30 million to offset costs, but that relief doesn’t arrive until the final years of the deal. Until then, the Yankees pay superstar money for a player restricted to DH.

The financial commitment has turned Stanton’s deal into one of the toughest contracts in baseball. He still shows flashes of dominance when his bat gets hot, but physical setbacks cut those runs short. His declining mobility makes the situation worse, as Boone must manage around a player who offers no defensive value.

Fans who once dreamed of Stanton and Judge rewriting Bronx Bombers history now watch with frustration. Judge continues to define the franchise, while Stanton struggles to stay on the field. The contract that once signaled the Yankees’ financial power now stands as a warning of the risks that come with betting long-term on sluggers with fragile bodies.

The Yankees remain in the playoff hunt, but Stanton’s situation leaves no room for illusions. His legs no longer allow him to play anywhere but DH, and his contract grows heavier with every setback.

Alvin Garcia Born in Puerto Rico, Alvin Garcia is a sports writer for Heavy.com who focuses on MLB. His work has appeared on FanSided, LWOS, NewsBreak, Athlon Sports, and Yardbarker, covering mostly MLB. More about Alvin Garcia