Saturday, December 9, 2017

Stanton Will Give The Yankees More Home Runs, But Not Necessarily Championships

Just as I suspected yesterday, it appears the Miami Marlins have traded Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees. In return, the Marlins will get second baseman Starlin Castro and two prospects. (Perhaps Derek Jeter will turn around and trade Castro to the Mets or Indians for yet more prospects).

There's no doubt the Yankees will hit more home runs in 2018 now that they have a new Murderers' Row with Stanton, Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and Didi Gregorius. But this won't necessarily translate into wins and championships.

It's well worth remembering the Marlins last had a winning season in 2009. Stanton debuted with the team in 2010. This isn't to say Stanton won't get a World Series ring in the Bronx, but it might take time. After all, Alex Rodriguez came to the Yankees in 2004, but had to wait five years before getting his lone World Series ring. It remains to be seen how long Stanton would wait depending on when he can opt out of his contract.

Even if the Yankees' offense gets better next season, I think it will take awhile for Stanton to adjust to AL pitching and playing in a pennant race. Unfortunately, Yankees fans might not be so patient.

After coming within a game of winning the AL pennant, the Yankees have seen fit to fire Joe Girardi, hire an untested Aaron Boone and now acquire a guy who nearly hit 60 home runs last year. To me that's pressing the panic button. I think the Yankees take a step back in 2018. Should that come to pass I doubt the Yankees will take it in stride.

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