Stanton Seeks World Series Title to Complete Yankees Career

Slugger says his time in pinstripes is "definitely incomplete" without a championship.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Giancarlo Stanton, the 36-year-old slugger entering his ninth season with the New York Yankees, says his career with the team will not feel complete unless he can win a World Series title. Stanton, a five-time All-Star and the 2017 NL MVP, has struggled with injuries in recent years but remains a key part of the Yankees' lineup. He is owed $64 million over the next three seasons and adds $27.5 million to the team's luxury tax bill.

Why it matters

Stanton's comments highlight the pressure and expectations that come with playing for the storied Yankees franchise, where winning championships is the ultimate goal. As the team's highest-paid player, Stanton's quest for a title takes on added significance, especially as he enters the twilight of his career.

The details

Stanton has gone on the injured list in seven consecutive seasons but has been productive when healthy, hitting .273 with 24 homers, 66 RBIs and a .944 OPS in 77 games last year. He said his elbows require constant treatment, but he is "ready to go" for the upcoming season. Stanton's $325 million contract, signed with the Miami Marlins, has been offset by the Marlins paying $30 million to the Yankees.

  • Stanton is entering his ninth season with the Yankees in 2026.
  • He is owed $64 million over the next three seasons, with the Marlins paying $30 million to offset part of his contract.

The players

Giancarlo Stanton

A 36-year-old slugger who is entering his ninth season with the New York Yankees. He is a five-time All-Star and the 2017 NL MVP, but has struggled with injuries in recent years.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who praised Stanton's presence in the middle of the lineup as a key component for the team.

Anthony Volpe

The Yankees' shortstop who is recovering from shoulder surgery and hopes to return to the lineup in April.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's definitely incomplete. The point of being a Yankee is being a champion.”

— Giancarlo Stanton (wbal.com)

“With us over the last couple of years (having) become more and more left-handed, his presence in the middle is just really big. It's like having that guy lingering there, that's Big G in the middle.”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager (wbal.com)

What’s next

Stanton will look to stay healthy and help the Yankees capture their first World Series title since 2009, the last time the team won the championship.

The takeaway

Stanton's quest for a World Series title with the Yankees underscores the high expectations and pressure that come with playing for one of the most successful franchises in professional sports. His comments reflect the drive and determination of a veteran superstar seeking to cement his legacy in pinstripes.