"The story goes on": Stanton's motivation comes from a Bronx fairy tale ending

When the New York Yankees acquired Giancarlo Stanton one winter afternoon before the 2018 season, the slugger easily expressed that he would "feel sorry for the game of baseball."

Just after the two had teamed up in Miami to put on a home run derby-like display, this trade paired the National League defending MVP with the then American League Rookie of the Year Aaron Judge. The future looked clear, promising not only numerous home runs but also championships.

As Stanton entered his ninth season wearing the pinstripes, their powerful hitting was enough to overwhelm Statcast, yet the championship trophy remained elusive. This goal continues to drive Stanton, who said that without a ring, his time in New York would be an "unfinished story."

"You have to climb that mountain," Stanton said in an interview today, "Obviously, the goal is the World Series, the goal is the championship, but you have to take care of everything in between. Not just to get there, but to finish it."

They came close. Stanton cemented his October legend in the 2024 postseason, nearly single-handedly defeating the Cleveland Guardians and earning ALCS MVP honors.

The World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers had all the ingredients for a fairy tale ending for Stanton. He grew up in Southern California, fell in love with baseball as a child sitting in the left field stands at Chavez Ravine, chasing home run balls during batting practice just like the ones he would later hit himself.

But things didn’t go as hoped. The Dodgers won the series in five games. The following spring, when the Yankees received their AL championship rings in a Manhattan banquet hall, Stanton stood up and told his teammates it was best not to wear them in public.

"This isn’t the ring we wanted," Stanton told his teammates that night.

Now, Stanton and the Yankees hope to prove that a largely similar roster can overcome the Blue Jays and other tough AL East rivals to emerge victorious.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he believes Stanton looks more robust than last season. Despite being limited by severe tennis elbow in both arms, Stanton still hit 24 home runs in 77 games last year, posting a .273/.350/.594 slash line.

"He had a good winter," Boone said. "He’s been in great shape, but in my view, he looks really good, really strong. He’s put in all the work, and now he’s ready. I think we’re in a good spot right now."

Stanton did not dispute this, saying he feels good moving around but also reminded everyone of the elbow discomfort that began bothering him in the latter half of the 2024 season, including during that epic ALCS against the Guardians.

He said it can be managed but will never fully heal. As long as Stanton keeps swinging, the discomfort will persist. However, he claims to have everything needed to stay on the field.

"It’s not going away," Stanton said. "It always needs maintenance. But it hasn’t stopped me from doing any training, and that’s the most important thing."

Boone mentioned he might wait about a week before letting Stanton play in Grapefruit League games during spring training. Most of Stanton’s appearances will again be as designated hitter, though Boone hasn’t ruled out having him play some outfield just to keep that option open.

"He’s evolved, both in how he trains and how he takes care of himself," Boone said. "Ideally, he stays healthy all season. I’ll proactively give him rest days to keep him healthier long-term."

The goal is to achieve everything Stanton envisioned that winter meeting in late 2017 when he posed with the pinstripes at the banquet hall. The near future then looked boundless.

As Stanton said, there’s still a chance to realize that victory parade through Hero’s Canyon. But they no longer have as much time as before.

"The story is still being written," Stanton said, "but being a Yankee means being a champion. Without a championship, there will always be a blemish here."