October’s biggest X factor for the Yankees is this slugger
Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton might not be the MVP-caliber player he was in 2017, but as the Yankees eye October, his impact remains undeniable.
While his overall numbers in 2024 have been average, they tell a different story when you look closer at the situations that matter most—late innings, high-leverage moments and games the Yankees win.
Stanton has played 105 games this season, right around his totals from the last two years. Injuries, particularly to his lower body and hamstrings, have become a recurring issue, limiting his time in the lineup and leaving many fans frustrated.
However, when Stanton is healthy and slotted into the fifth spot, he’s still a threat. He’s hit 18 homers with an .848 OPS from that position.
In games the Yankees win, Stanton’s impact is significant: 21 home runs and an .862 OPS. Compare that to a meager four homers and .601 OPS in losses, and it’s clear the team needs him performing to succeed.
Interestingly, despite his injury struggles, Stanton’s power remains undiminished when he connects. He’s in the 100th percentile for bat speed, ranked No. 1 in the majors, according to Baseball Savant.
That kind of power makes him a constant threat. Stanton’s contact is inconsistent, ranking in the 8th percentile for whiff %, but when he connects, the results are jaw-dropping.
That kind of power from the middle of the order gives New York depth and flexibility, especially when you look at how the rest of the lineup shakes out. With Gleyber Torres leading off, Juan Soto and Aaron Judge in the two and three spots, and Austin Wells right before Stanton, the Yankees have a lineup built to compete with anyone in October.
Soto and Judge are both having MVP-level seasons, while Wells has been consistent in the cleanup role with an .838 OPS.
