Giancarlo Stanton's agent: Yankees will see 'another guy' in 2019

Slugger has become more comfortable in New York, says agent

12/10/2018, 5:07 PM
Sep 8, 2018; Seattle, WA, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits an RBI sacrifice fly against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports / Joe Nicholson
Sep 8, 2018; Seattle, WA, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits an RBI sacrifice fly against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports / Joe Nicholson

Giancarlo Stanton experienced plenty of ups and downs in his first season with the Yankees. 

Despite leading the team in home runs (38) and RBI (100), the right-handed slugger also battled through endless criticism and boos as he endured extended slumps and struck out a career-high 211 times. 

Stanton's agent, Joel Wolfe, is certain the 2019 season will tell a different story. 

The 29-year-old slugger's agent told Joel Sherman of the New York Post on Monday that the Yankees and their fans will "mentally and physically see another guy because he is comfortable and because [being a Yankee] means so much to him."

"He knows what to expect in New York," Wolfe said. "It is no longer a figment of his imagination. This is now his team. For the first half of last season, I know that home games felt like road games. It is such a heady experience to be a Yankee."

Tuesday marks the one-year anniversary of the Yankees finalizing a deal to land the 2017 National League MVP.

Stanton won the award after leading the majors with 59 home runs and 132 RBI, but was told the day after the season that the Marlins were selling the team and that the plan was to trade the MVP. 

Stanton, who had a no-trade clause, initially rejected two trades -- one to the San Francisco Giants and the other to the St. Louis Cardinals -- because he wanted to play for a contender that was primed to win now and in the future, such as the Yankees. 

Wolfe added that Stanton loves playing for the Yankees organization, citing good relationships with his teammates and lauded the training staff's ability to keep the injury-prone slugger healthy -- only missing four games. 

"His physical status is outstanding," Wolfe said. "He is just in a great place right now."


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