When it comes to postseason baseball, few players rise to the occasion like Giancarlo Stanton. In 2024, the 34-year-old slugger has once again proven his value for the New York Yankees, posting a 1.244 OPS with two home runs and five RBIs in just 19 at-bats. Stanton may have struggled with injuries during the regular season, but when the lights shine brightest in October, he always seems to deliver—and that could be the key to New York’s World Series hopes this year.
Stanton’s ability to step up in big moments has often outweighed the criticism he’s faced for missing games. While some detractors focus on his hefty $325 million contract and the injury concerns that have plagued him, his postseason performances make it clear why the Yankees brought him to the Bronx. As Stanton himself said, “Every out, every pitch is cumulative of the six, seven years of preparation for this. You can’t shy away from that. You have to understand that and embrace it and quiet it and get it done.”
Still, not everyone is sold on Stanton’s long-term value. Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report recently raised concerns about how Stanton’s contract might look by 2026. “Though his playoff heroics go a fair way in redeeming him, Stanton still only has 4.6 rWAR to show for his last six seasons with the Yankees,” Rymer pointed out. With just 0.6 rWAR over the last three seasons, Rymer questions whether Stanton will even still be on the roster in two years, given his recurring lower-half injuries.
But here’s the thing—Stanton’s regular season may have its ups and downs, but in New York, players are remembered for what they do in October. Stanton’s ability to come alive in the postseason makes him indispensable. Sure, he might not be a regular-season ironman, but in the playoffs, when every pitch and every swing counts, he’s been clutch.
And while it’s true Stanton’s contract could become burdensome as he ages, the Yankees seem content with the trade-off. After all, his playoff performances could lead to the ultimate prize—a World Series ring. As long as he continues to show up in October, the Yankees may be willing to look past the injuries and regular-season absences.
So, is Stanton’s $325 million contract worth it, or is the clock ticking on his time with the Yankees? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
