At 34 and after 5 seasons of injuries, Yanks’ Stanton says he’s ‘got to change the narrative’

TAMPA, Fla. — Giancarlo Stanton’s condition was dissected on his first day back at Yankees spring training much like pastrami at a New York deli: how lean? I think he, we, everyone realized that it’s probably better, especially with some of the things that he’s dealt with from an injury standpoint and being north of 30 years old, to play at a lighter weight and I don’t think he’s compromised much in the way of strength.” New York owes $118 million in guaranteed pay through 2027, part of a $325 million, 13-year contract, and Stanton’s salary has not matched his statistics — a.191 average with 24 homers and 60 RBIs last season. “You got to change the narrative.” Stanton’s 6-foot-6 frame casts a shadow over the Yankees, who went 82-80 last year and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. That prompted the Yankees’ Brian Cashman to say at the general managers’ meetings last Nov. 13: “He’s going to wind up getting hurt again more likely than not because it seems to be part of his game.” Stanton said succinctly: “He knows my reaction to that.” Stanton hit.233 with 97 homers and 259 RBIs over the past five years, down from.265 with 302 homers and 772 RBIs in his first nine seasons. “This is the same narrative every year, the same questions about if I’m going to play in outfield,” Stanton said.