Yankees Receive Retirement Update on Giancarlo Stanton

New York Yankees star Giancarlo Stanton is likely out for the remainder of the 2026 after suffering yet another setback in his attempt to return from a calf injury, and now, his future with the Yankees is in question.

Stanton is owed $25 million next season. New York could then buy him out for $10 million if it chooses not to bring him back for 2028.

Or could the 36-year-old simply decide to retire?

Chelsea Janes of SNY was asked about Stanton's situation in a recent mailbag, and she seems to believe the ball is in his court.

"My expectation is that this will be up to Stanton. If he wants to try to play again – and he is just 44 home runs shy of 500 – I think the Yankees will give him that chance. Even if he is a semiregular designated hitter and a huge bench bat, his clubhouse presence probably justifies keeping him around," Janes wrote.

Janes added that she wouldn't be shocked if the former MVP decided to hang up his cleats following the 2026 campaign.

"But his legs clearly gave out on him this year, which is not a good sign for a player with chronic elbow pain, too. I would not be surprised if he decides to call it after this season, though to be very, very clear, I have not heard anyone who would know suggest that is imminent," Janes wrote.

Stanton is unquestionably a force when healthy. Just last year, he posted a .944 OPS in 77 games, and Yankees fans know very well just how great he has been in the playoffs.

The question is whether or not New York wants to keep such an injury-prone, aging player around at his salary.

Remember: the Yankees acquired Luis Garcia Jr. back at the MLB trade deadline, and with him and Ben Rice alternating at DH, there might not be room for Stanton in the starting lineup next season.

New York could always keep him as a bench bat, and there is no doubt Stanton would be one of the deadliest reserve hitters in baseball.

But whether or not Stanton actually chooses to return for another season remains to be seen. Given that he is so close to 500 homers, though, you have to think he'll come back.