Giancarlo Stanton

Marlins all-time home run leader and 2017 NL MVP.

Giancarlo Cruz-Michael Stanton (born November 8, 1989), known until 2012 as Mike Stanton, is an American professional baseball designated hitter and outfielder for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Florida/Miami Marlins. Stanton stands 6 ft tall and weighs 245 lb. He bats and throws right handed. Stanton is the Marlins' all-time home run leader and the only active player with over 450 home runs. Internationally, Stanton has represented the United States.

Quick Facts

Team: New York Yankees
Position: Designated hitter; Outfielder
Born: 8 November 1989
Birthplace: Panorama City, California, U.S.
Bats: Right
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: June 8
Debut year: 2010

Lore & Background

Stanton is originally from the Greater Los Angeles region. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, before the Marlins selected him in the second round of the 2007 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the Marlins in 2010. Stanton led the National League in home runs in 2014.

In November 2014, the Marlins signed Stanton to the richest total dollar value contract in team sports history at the time of the signing; the contract is worth $325 million over 13 years. In 2017, Stanton led MLB in home runs (59) and runs batted in (RBIs) (132), winning the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. Following the 2017 season, Stanton was traded to the Yankees. A five-time MLB All-Star, Stanton has twice won both the NL Hank Aaron Award and outfield Silver Slugger Award after leading the league in home runs.

In 2024, he earned American League Championship Series MVP honors to lift the Yankees to their first American League pennant since 2009.

Reader's Guide

Stanton began his professional career for the Gulf Coast League Marlins, but quickly advanced to the Jamestown Jammers of the Low-A New York–Penn League. After playing nine games for the Jammers, for whom he batted .067 on 2-for-30 hitting, he was promoted to the Greensboro Grasshoppers. With Greensboro, Stanton hit 39 home runs, on a .293 batting average with 97 RBI and a .993 OPS. He began the 2009 season with the Jupiter Hammerheads, where he batted .294 with 12 home runs and 39 RBIs.

This led to a promotion to the Jacksonville Suns. He was selected for the All-Star Futures Game. In 52 games with the Suns in 2010, Stanton batted .311 with 21 home runs, 52 RBIs, and a 1.167 OPS. On May 6, 2010, Stanton hit a home run against the Montgomery Biscuits that cleared the scoreboard in center field and traveled an estimated 500 to 550 ft.

On June 8, 2010, he made his MLB debut with the Marlins. His first MLB home run was a grand slam off Matt Garza. On August 11, 2010, against the Washington Nationals, Stanton went 5-for-5 with four RBIs, two doubles and a home run. In 2011, he finished the season batting .262 with 34 home runs and 87 RBIs.

On May 21, 2012, Stanton hit a grand slam off Jamie Moyer that traveled 462 ft with an exit velocity of 122.4 mph. On August 17, 2012, Stanton hit a 494-foot home run at Coors Field. In 2017, Stanton led MLB in home runs (59) and RBIs (132), and slugging percentage (.631).

Did You Know?

Stanton's first MLB home run was a grand slam off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Garza.
Stanton hit a 494-foot home run at Coors Field in 2012, the longest in MLB since 2009.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Giancarlo Stanton to the Miami Marlins franchise?

Giancarlo Stanton is a former outfielder who played for the team from 2010 to 2017 and stands six feet six inches tall. Originally known as Mike Stanton until 2012, he was drafted out of California high school before becoming the franchise's all-time home run leader.

When did Stanton make his debut for the Florida Marlins?

He entered Major League Baseball on June 8, 2010, after being selected in the second round of the 2007 draft. Following a standout minor league career with Greensboro, he quickly established himself as a key player for the organization.