Stanton's rookie season set the tone for what would become a career defined by his power-hitting prowess. In 2010, he hit 22 home runs in just 100 games, a preview of the slugging capabilities that would become his trademark. Over the next few years, Stanton continued to develop as a hitter, consistently ranking among the league leaders in home runs and slugging percentage.
The 2014 season was a standout year for Stanton. He led the National League with 37 home runs and 105 RBIs, earning him a second-place finish in the NL MVP voting. His performance that year was recognized with a Silver Slugger Award, and he was named an All-Star for the second time in his career. Unfortunately, his season was cut short in September when he was hit in the face by a pitch, an injury that required surgery and ended his campaign prematurely.
Despite the setback, Stanton returned to form in the following seasons. In 2015, he signed a record-breaking 13-year, $325 million contract with the Marlins, the largest in sports history at the time. This contract underscored the Marlins' belief in Stanton as the cornerstone of their franchise. However, injuries continued to be a challenge, limiting his playing time in both 2015 and 2016.
The 2017 season was a career-defining year for Stanton. He hit 59 home runs, the most in the majors since 2001, and drove in 132 runs. His remarkable performance earned him the National League MVP award, as well as another Silver Slugger Award. Stanton's ability to hit for power and average made him one of the most feared hitters in baseball.
Following the 2017 season, Stanton was traded to the New York Yankees. The move to New York brought Stanton to one of baseball's most storied franchises, where he joined a lineup already featuring power hitters like Aaron Judge. In his first season with the Yankees in 2018, Stanton hit 38 home runs and drove in 100 runs, helping the team reach the playoffs.
Injuries, however, continued to be a theme in Stanton's career. The 2019 and 2020 seasons saw him miss significant time due to various ailments, limiting his ability to contribute consistently. Despite these challenges, Stanton remained a potent force when healthy, capable of changing the course of a game with a single swing.
Throughout his career, Stanton's ability to hit home runs has been his defining characteristic. His combination of size, strength, and bat speed has made him one of the most powerful hitters of his generation. While injuries have at times hampered his ability to stay on the field, his talent and achievements have left a lasting impression on the game.
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