Giancarlo Stanton turned in his most valuable season since his debut campaign with the Yankees in 2018, thanks in part to sustained health and an ability to contribute in the field as well as at bat.
After playing just 13 games in the field over a two-year span in 2019 and 2020 (he never took the field in the shortened 2020 season), Stanton was eased back into the outfield last year, dusting off his glove at the end of July and logging 26 games between right and left field. He also smacked 35 home runs and posted an .870 OPS.
Heading into his age-32 season, Stanton says he still expects to be a fairly regular contributor in the outfield in 2022.
“I think a few times a week and whenever I can make it work to fit the best lineup to put out there, and be ready to go,” Stanton told reporters on Thursday.
Stanton is part of a projected outfield group that also includes Aaron Judge, Joey Gallo, and Aaron Hicks. Both Hicks and Judge have had their own injury concerns in recent years, meaning they will likely need days off or time at DH, as will some infielders like Josh Donaldson and Anthony Rizzo to ensure that DJ LeMahieu gets his at-bats. So, if the team can stay healthy, Stanton will have to build off of last season and spend plenty of time in the outfield, which he doesn’t believe will be a problem after coming out of spring training feeling strong.
“I feel like a solid spring, short and sweet, and we’re here now,” Stanton said.
“We’re ready to rock. We’re determined. We know how things have gone the past few years, and we’ve got a good spark in us to get something going.”
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