Giancarlo Stanton has decided to opt-into his remaining contract. Stanton will remain a Yankee for seven guaranteed seasons worth $218 million instead of opting out.
The 30-year-old designated hitter first joined the New York Yankees in 2018 and had a batting average of .266 with 38 home runs and 100 RBIs in his first season with the team. In 2019, Stanton only played in 18 games due to a left biceps strain and a right knee strain that kept him out of action for most of the season. During the 2020 shortened season, the designated hitter only played in 23 games due to a strained left hamstring. Despite this, he hit a .250 batting average with four home runs and 11 RBIs. However, during the 2020 post-season Stanton hit a remarkable .308 with six home runs and 13 RBIs.
Originally drafted by Miami, Stanton became a four-time All-Star with the Miami Marlins. Stanton agreed to a $325 million 13-year contract with Miami back in 2014. In 2017 with Miami, he hit .281 and led the league with 59 home runs and 132 RBIs before being traded to the Yankees in December 2017. The slugger was traded to the Yankees in exchange for third basemen Starlin Castro, Jorge Guzman and minor infielder Jose Devers.
Stanton is set to make $29 million in the next two seasons, $32 million annually from 2023-2025, $29 million in 2026, and $25 million club option for 2028 with a $10 million buyout option.
Part of the trade was that if Stanton did not opt-out, then the Marlins would send the Yankees $30 million to pay part off his contract. With payments of $5 million each in July and October from 2026-2028.
