Why Giancarlo Stanton is avoiding surgery despite severe elbow injuries

The pain follows him into every swing.

New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with significant injuries in both elbows and has decided, at least for now, to avoid surgery that could cost him the entire 2026 MLB season.

Stanton’s situation is more complicated than a routine injury update. Doctors have presented surgery as an option, but the recovery timeline would likely wipe out next season.

Even more concerning, there is no guarantee the procedure would restore the explosiveness that defines his swing.

The risk is not just missing time. It is potentially losing the core of what makes him elite.

Instead, Stanton is undergoing multiple rounds of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, a treatment widely used in professional sports to reduce inflammation and promote healing without invasive procedures. Around Major League Baseball, PRP therapy has become a common alternative when teams attempt to extend careers and manage chronic issues.

Stanton has acknowledged the reality of his condition, stating, “The pain isn’t going anywhere.” His focus is on maintenance and availability rather than a complete reset.

Giancarlo Stanton: Production through pain

Last season, Stanton hit .273 with 24 home runs and 66 RBIs in 280 plate appearances. According to data from Baseball-Reference, that production keeps him among the Yankees’ most efficient power bats when active.

When he plays, he still produces at impact level.

Since arriving in New York in 2017 following his National League MVP season with the Miami Marlins, Stanton has been central to the Yankees’ offensive identity. His presence in the lineup forces opposing pitchers to rethink late-game strategy. Without him, the margin narrows.

Durability, however, has become the recurring obstacle. In recent seasons, injuries have limited his availability, prompting the Yankees to prioritize workload management. Team officials have indicated surgery remains a “last resort,” signaling a shared belief that conservative treatment still offers a path forward.

What this means for the Yankees’ season

The implications extend beyond one roster spot. The Yankees’ offense is constructed around power. Removing Stanton from that equation reshapes lineup balance and run production expectations.

Medical experts frequently note that elbow injuries in power hitters can compromise bat speed and torque. That uncertainty explains Stanton’s hesitation. A full surgical recovery could stretch deep into 2026, and at 34 years old, time is no longer a neutral factor.

For now, Stanton continues PRP treatment and carefully monitored activity. The Yankees are expected to manage his workload closely.

This is a calculated gamble between preserving the present and protecting the future.

There is no immediate deadline for surgery. But as long as the pain persists, the tension between durability and dominance remains.

Sources: Performance statistics via Baseball-Reference. Medical context based on publicly reported MLB treatment practices regarding PRP therapy and team statements about conservative rehabilitation approaches.