Yankees' Stanton to Make Spring Training Debut

Slugger set to DH against Team Panama after missing early games

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:54pm

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New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton will make his spring training debut on Tuesday, March 3rd, when the Yankees face off against Team Panama at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. Stanton, who has been dealing with tennis elbow in both arms, is looking to stay healthy and contribute more than the 77 games he played last season.

Why it matters

The Yankees are hoping Stanton can stay on the field and contribute more this season as they look to reach the playoffs and potentially win a World Series. Stanton's health and production will be crucial to the team's success.

The details

Stanton, a five-time All-Star, smashed 24 home runs in just 281 plate appearances last season. However, the management of his tennis elbow will be something the team monitors closely throughout the year. Stanton told NJ.com's Randy Miller that even opening a bag of chips is a difficult task for him at times.

  • Stanton will make his spring training debut on Tuesday, March 3rd.
  • The Yankees will face off against Team Panama, who has the Yankees' projected Opening Day shortstop, Jose Caballero, on their roster.

The players

Giancarlo Stanton

A 36-year-old designated hitter for the New York Yankees who is looking to stay healthy and contribute more than the 77 games he played last season.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who is always cautious with Stanton's playing time due to his injury history.

Max Fried

The left-handed pitcher and last year's ace for the New York Yankees, who will make his first appearance of the spring on the mound against Team Panama.

Jose Caballero

The Yankees' projected Opening Day shortstop, who is on the roster for Team Panama as they prepare for their opening game of the World Baseball Classic against Cuba.

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What they’re saying

“Stanton told NJ.com's Randy Miller that even opening a bag of chips is a difficult task for him at times.”

— Giancarlo Stanton

What’s next

With two years remaining on his contract, Stanton surely has a few milestones he would like to accomplish: reaching 500 career home runs (he's at 453) and winning a World Series with the Yankees. Staying healthy could help both him and the Yankees accomplish these feats.

The takeaway

The Yankees' success this season will depend heavily on Stanton's ability to stay healthy and contribute consistently. The team will need to carefully manage his playing time and recovery from the tennis elbow issues that have plagued him in recent years.