Is Giancarlo Stanton a Hall of Famer?
Giancarlo Stanton has undeniably been one of the most dominant power hitters in Major League Baseball over the past decade-plus. Now is the time we start asking the question of whether or not Stanton will ultimately find himself enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.
Personally, I’ve always enjoyed watching Stanton play, especially during his tenure with the Miami Marlins. I firmly believe that had he not been traded to the Yankees in 2017, we’re looking at better career numbers; he also might have been better suited with the Dodgers. The New York and Northeastern environment didn’t seem to do him any favors–just my two cents.
Let’s discuss his Hall of Fame case.
Case For
At 33-years-old, Stanton has amassed an impressive 401 career home runs, and his crowning achievement with an NL MVP, clubbing 59 homers for Miami back in 2017–a season being one of his last fully healthy campaigns.
The crux of Giancarlo Stanton’s Hall of Fame argument hinges on power numbers and remaining productive into his 30s.
When he’s in good health, his monumental power is still very much alive, supported by his average of 30 home runs per season since 2021. Though, admittedly, 2023 has been a bit of a down one for Stanton.
In 92 games, he’s batting .196 with 23 home runs and 57 RBIs. It’s clear that he’s past his prime in Miami, where he spent his first eight MLB seasons, ranking fourth for the most home runs (2010-2017) with 267, just five shy of Jose Bautista‘s leading total. For the entire decade, Stanton secured a solid third place.
Injuries have unfortunately been a recurring theme throughout Stanton’s career, averaging 116 games played annually from 2010 to 2019. Since 2020, he’s been averaging just 91 games per year, despite 2020 being a COVID-shortened 60-game season (Stanton only played 23 games).
This trend is attributed to various setbacks ranging from a broken face to a pulled hamstring. While Stanton undeniably wields incredible power, his game has evolved into a more two-dimensional approach, with the at-bat often resulting in either a home run or a strikeout.
In my view, the one factor that could solidify Stanton’s Hall of Fame candidacy is reaching the 500-home-run milestone. Even though he faces an uphill battle at the moment, I have faith in Stanton. I don’t see his 2023 season as indicative of his future production.
I’m optimistic that Stanton can replicate his 2022 All-Star campaign for New York in the years ahead. This seems like a realistic trajectory, especially if he’s aiming to reach 500 homers.
In 2022, Stanton played 110 games and posted a .211 batting average with 31 home runs and 78 RBIs. While these stats are solid despite the average, they align well with the type of player Stanton has become. I do think he’s better than a .211 batting average, however.
Barring any career-altering circumstances, Stanton should be good for 25-to-30-plus home runs each season. Despite entering his mid-30s and contending with a history of injuries, Stanton maintains an imposing physical presence with his towering 6-foot-6 frame. Additionally, the hitter-friendly confines of Yankee Stadium, where he’ll spend the majority of his at-bats for the foreseeable future, should work in his favor. Hitting 20 homers annually for the next five seasons is certainly a reachable goal.
What does his future look like?
There’s a universe where Giancarlo Stanton secures a spot in the Hall of Fame–A universe I would want to live in believe it or not. He has the Silver Sluggers, numerous All-Star selections and an MVP to his name, all of which make a good case for his case for Hall of Fame induction.
Joining the illustrious 500-HR club alongside legends like Ernie Banks, Albert Pujols and Mickey Mantle would solidify Stanton’s legacy as one of the greatest power hitters of all time. Above all, it would unquestionably mark him as a Hall of Famer.
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