Giancarlo Stanton is reportedly growing increasingly unhappy with the New York Yankees’ coaching approach, feeling that the staff prioritizes Aaron Judge over him at every turn. According to insider sources, Stanton believes the team’s coaching decisions consistently benefit Judge, leaving him feeling overlooked in games, practices, and strategic planning.
Despite being one of the game’s most powerful bats, Stanton feels the spotlight and offensive support heavily tilt toward Judge. This perceived imbalance is casting a shadow over his time in the Bronx.
“He’s getting tired of constantly feeling like second fiddle,” said one source close to Stanton.
Stanton’s frustration stems from baseball staff devoting more reps, media access, and in-game opportunities to Judge—a dynamic that’s affecting morale, both for Stanton and some teammates. That imbalance could be fueling speculation he might prefer to move to a team where he is a clear No. 1 option.
At 35, Stanton still possesses immense power—his postseason RBI totals demonstrating why he’s far more than just backup. But he now feels pigeonholed, overshadowed by Judge.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone hasn’t publicly addressed the tension, but Stanton’s hold-up with elbow rehabs earlier this season and the team’s heavier reliance on Judge have only fueled speculation. With Stanton nursing an injury, Judge was quoted saying they text daily and the slugger is “in a positive mindset.” Still, that didn’t prevent Judge from joking about Stanton’s minor-league rehab, teasing him with a friendly “Only singles?”—a quip that may have rubbed extra raw under the surface.
His playoff heroics demonstrate his power, yet he’s frustrated by reduced exposure and confidence in key moments. Stanton feels overshadowed by Judge’s star status, with coaching decisions reinforcing that perception.
