Aug 1, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pinch hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) reacts after striking out to end the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees
NEW YORK — In a media session that lasted less than three minutes, Giancarlo Stanton addressed his poor performance this season and defended his work ethic.
“Can’t produce like this season, so gotta change,” said Stanton, who batting average has dropped to .188 and his OPS to .694, making this his worst season yet.
“A lot of things I’ve got to work and adjust on,” Stanton said after the Yankees were defeated by the Blue Jays on Wednesday night. “But if you guys think I’m just showing up and going out there and not working, then I don’t know what to tell you.”
The 33-year-old is signed through 2027.
Stanton’s baserunning has also come under scrutiny, as he has been trying to avoid injuries.
Despite his struggles, the analytics would suggest better days are ahead. He is still making hard contact. Not only is he hitting the ball hard, but he’s is striking out less than he did in 2018 when he received MVP votes in his first year with the Yankees.
So why have better results followed?
“I’m not sure,” said Stanton.
“There’s obviously a lot of conversation to be had there,” Aaron Boone said. “Hopefully … having a good winter to grow from this and to make whatever adjustments to put he and us in a better situation heading into next year, where … we get the more consistent Giancarlo that I believe is still in there.”
Stanton’s not the only Yankee struggling this year, however, New York is just 26th in the league with a .699 OPS and a .225 batting average which is second-worst in the big leagues.
