Giancarlo Stanton, the New York Yankees’ veteran outfielder, frequently draws the attention of fans and pundits alike, not just for occasionally swinging at pitches in the dirt, but also for his ability to rocket balls deep into the night sky. Despite some regression in recent seasons, Stanton’s raw power remains a valuable commodity for the Yankees.
Analyzing Stanton’s 2024 performance
The 34-year-old veteran had a significant drop in performance in 2023, recording his career-lowest hitting average of.191 and slugging percentage of.420 across 101 games.
Despite hitting 24 home runs and driving in 60 RBIs, his wRC+ of 89 placed him as a below-average player for the first time. However, his power has returned in the 2024 season, with him rating in the 100th percentile for bat speed and the 99th percentile for average exit velocity and barrel rate.
While his whiff and strikeout rates remain alarmingly high, Stanton has changed his approach at the plate under the direction of the Yankees’ coaching staff, who have encouraged him to be more aggressive.
This method has yielded a hard-hit rate of 53.8%, the greatest since 2021, and a barrel rate of 19.2%, his best since 2019. Stanton’s stats for 63 games this season include a.238 batting average,.488 slugging percentage, 17 home runs, 40 RBIs, and a 122 wRC+, suggesting a big increase over the prior year.
The Yankees need Stanton to stay healthy.
Despite his offensive skill, Stanton’s defensive contributions have declined, making it critical that he stay healthy in order to continue impacting the game with his bat. Stanton’s job with the Yankees appears solid, with a deal that runs until 2028 and a $10 million buyout option, however the rise of young players such as Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones may eventually influence his position on the team.
Stanton’s ability to deliver in clutch circumstances, particularly with runners in scoring position (.269 average,.537 slugging percentage), is a valuable weapon for the Yankees.
His performance in these situations will be critical for the postseason, implying that, while his aggressive batting style may need to be adjusted, his presence in the lineup remains critical to the team’s success. As the Yankees continue their season, controlling Stanton’s health and maximizing his contributions will be critical in their pursuit of a championship.
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