The Yankees can’t get super slugger back from injury fast enough

MLB: Atlanta Braves at New York Yankees
Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees‘ lack of offensive production has led them down a dark path over the past few weeks. Having lost their last two games to the Tampa Bay Rays, general manager Brian Cashman has a tall task ahead of him: trying to reinforce the roster and add above-average bats to the equation.

Yankees’ Offensive Woes and Potential Fixes

Finding a quality infielder would go a long way toward bolstering the team’s World Series aspirations. Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu are both liabilities offensively, making the idea of pursuing Isaac Paredes of the Rays even more attractive.

The Impact of Missing Stanton

However, the Yankees are desperately missing some of their injured talent, specifically Giancarlo Stanton. While the 34-year-old can undoubtedly be volatile, his power is sorely missed in the heart of the lineup. This season, Stanton is hitting .246/.302/.492, including 18 homers and 45 RBIs. He has his highest batting average since 2021, and for the first time in three years, he’s cracked a 30% on-base rate.

MLB: Houston Astros at New York Yankees, giancarlo stanton
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Stanton is having a solid season, showcasing his vintage power from the designated hitter spot. He’s been diligently working his way back from a hamstring injury. The Yankees are currently contemplating whether to send him on a rehab assignment or quickly integrate him back into the batting order.

“I don’t know that there’s downside (to Stanton playing rehab games) other than he’s a DH and just the level of things you’re able to replicate now really do speed that clock up,” manager Aaron Boone said. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t have him go play some a game or two. We haven’t made that decision yet.”

Stanton’s Role

Stanton’s ability to hit home runs is a variable the Yankees have missed in his absence. They’ve regularly rotated Alex Verdugo into the cleanup spot, where he’s been nothing but an automatic out.

This season, Stanton ranks in the 98th percentile in average exit velocity, 99th percentile in barrel percentage, and 96th percentile in hard-hit percentage. He’s been fantastic for the most part, and even though his contact qualities and plate discipline have swayed at times, his power has been the most consistent part of his game.

“I just have to stack a few more days,” Stanton said Saturday. “By the end of next week, if a have a few good days we’ll make a decision.”

MLB: Chicago White Sox at New York Yankees, giancarlo stanton
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The Yankees needed Giancarlo to return from two poor seasons since another bad year might have led to him being designated for assignment. However, he’s carrying his weight, even if he offers zero defensive value. His return, paired with a trade acquisition, could significantly improve the Yankees’ offense. At the very least, the top half of the order would be dominant, helping to offset any liabilities in the bottom half.

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