New York Yankees: Giancarlo Stanton should never see the outfield again

Health is going to be the biggest factor for the New York Yankees in their quest to return to the World Series. Over the past few years, the Yankees have more closely resembled a cast of the Walking Dead than a baseball team, with a roster on the Injured List that could win most divisions in the game. Staying healthy will make a big difference.

One of the biggest keys will be to keep Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in the lineup. The Yankees’ powerful duo combined to appear in just 51 games last year as they were hindered by a myriad of injuries. Stanton himself has appeared in just 41 games over the past two years. Something needs to change, particularly in Stanton’s case.

New York Yankees should keep Giancarlo Stanton from outfield

While Judge and Stanton focused more on their flexibility this offseason, including having yoga sessions as part of their workout routine, that may not be enough. In Stanton’s case, it is time to have him retire the glove and simply focus on his hitting.

That is the Yankees’ plan for at least part of the season. Manager Aaron Boone does not intend on having Stanton in the outfield for at least a month or two to ensure that he is healthy and productive at the plate before making him worry about his defense. It is working thus far, as Stanton has posted a .391/.500/.609 batting line with a homer and two doubles in 28 plate appearances heading into Tuesday.

Stanton has hit when he has been in the lineup. While his 166 plate appearances over the past two seasons are hardly impressive, he had produced a .267/.394/.496 batting line with seven homers and ten doubles in that time. Considering his ongoing injury woes, that production is respectable.

Of course, the Yankees expect more from Stanton this year. Now that he is healthy, he is being counted on to be a key part of their lineup, helping to power what should be a fearsome offense. And part of Stanton staying healthy should involve keeping him out of the outfield.

The New York Yankees do not plan on putting Giancarlo Stanton in the outfield for at least a month or two. They should make that a permanent situation.