New York Yankees: Giancarlo Stanton is off to a blazing hot start to 2020
By Mark Morales
New York Yankees DH Giancarlo Stanton is having an MVP-caliber start to his 2020 campaign.
The New York Yankees are off to a great 6-1 start to the season and find themselves first in the American League East. A big reason for their early-season success has been the stellar play of their full-time DH Giancarlo Stanton.
Stanton has been tearing the cover off the ball and through the first five games of the season, he slugged his way to a .500 BA (8-16, including two doubles), 1.600 OPS, two home runs, six RBI, and just four strikeouts.
The 6-6, 245 lbs slugger has put himself in early contention for AL MVP. If Stanton can win the award, this would be the second MVP award of his career, which would make him just the second player ever to win an MVP award in both leagues. The only other person to accomplish this feat is the Hall of Famer, Frank Robinson.
The California native has taken his fair share of criticism over his first two seasons with the Bombers due to his lack of production in the postseason, and only playing in 18 games in 2019.
Granted, Stanton did have a solid 2018 regular season with the New York Yankees, as he hit .266 with 38 HR and 100 RBI, but when it came to the postseason, he was almost non-existent (5-21 with seven strikeouts in five games).
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Playing in New York is not easy between the high expectations, winning culture, hardcore fans, and the media all up in your business. However, when you have a 13-year, $325 million contract, you’re expected to perform at a high level not only during the regular season but during the postseason as well.
Due to COVID-19, the 2020 season is being played without fans, so there is no booing or cheering of any kind coming from fans. The lack of fans in attendance seems to be working in Stanton’s favor thus far.
Of course, Stanton is a great ballplayer, but when you have 60,000 fans booing you all over the country AND in your home ballpark, it probably takes a toll and adds extra unneeded pressure.
We’re only seven games in, but if Stanton can stay healthy and keep up this production, the New York Yankees will be in good shape heading into October. Stanton will also be lining up to receive his second MVP award.
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The most significant question mark for Stanton is his health and if he can hold up for the entire season.