On February 20, 2025, the New York Yankees announced a two-year contract extension for manager Aaron Boone, securing his position through at least 2027. This move follows a painful World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers four months earlier, a defeat that still resonates with Boone and his squad. Despite the setback, Boone's leadership has yielded a .584 winning percentage and six playoff appearances in seven seasons. His ability to connect with players is lauded, but the absence of a championship title casts a long shadow. The 2025 season holds promise, primarily led by reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge, but challenges loom with injuries in the lineup, notably to Giancarlo Stanton.

With just 38 days until Opening Day, MLB's Grapefruit League kicks off with the Dodgers facing the Cubs. Although the stakes are relatively low, this early spring action is crucial for fantasy enthusiasts.

Spring Training is not merely about player performance; it's a time to watch for injuries, velocity readings, new pitch developments, lineup placements, position battles, and prospects gaining hype. These elements will shape your Fantasy Baseball strategies as you prepare for the upcoming season.

Injuries are the top concern. Players like Giancarlo Stanton and Brayan Bello present red flags, while others like James Wood may just be dealing with minor soreness, not affecting their performance long-term. Velocity shifts also matter, with spikes being positive indicators of a pitcher's potential breakout.

Spring Training is the ideal stage to identify emerging players and position battles that could dictate your draft strategy. Keep an eye on opportunities that arise, as they can significantly affect player value in your fantasy leagues.

Giancarlo Stanton, the New York Yankees' power hitter, has not swung a bat in several weeks due to painful tendinitis affecting both of his elbows. The five-time All-Star played through considerable pain last season, contributing to the Yankees' postseason run. He has acknowledged that while surgery isn't currently necessary, it may become essential if his condition deteriorates. Stanton is focused on a cautious ramp-up towards the season, with opening day against the Milwaukee Brewers coming up in late March.

Stanton reported a challenging year in 2022, battling injuries including a strained hamstring, leading to a .233 batting average with 27 home runs. The organization hopes that by adjusting early-season workouts, Stanton can maintain his health throughout the year, particularly after losing fellow slugger Juan Soto to the Mets.

The New York Yankees face a challenging start to the season with Giancarlo Stanton, their star DH, sidelined due to elbow pain. Stanton has not swung a bat for three to four weeks and described the pain as 'very high', indicating a chronic issue he played through last year. He hopes to manage it similarly this season, but his absence could significantly impact the Yankees' lineup. With Stanton out, players like Trent Grisham and Oswaldo Cabrera are expected to step up in the DH role.

Stanton's record last postseason, where he hit seven homers, demonstrates his power potential, but with only 505 games played since 2019, his durability is a concern. At 35 and with three years left on his contract, the Yankees are looking for at-bats from their depth players as Stanton aims to reach 500 career home runs. The Yankees are accustomed to navigating injuries, but maintaining competitiveness will be key in Stanton's absence.

Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees has been sidelined for three to four weeks due to elbow tendinitis, raising concerns about his availability for Opening Day. The five-time All-Star admitted to playing through pain last season as the Yankees made a postseason run. Stanton described his condition as 'manageable' but acknowledges he is behind schedule for the upcoming season. With six weeks until the opener, he hopes to ramp up his activities and be ready, although he is uncertain about participating on March 27 against Milwaukee.