Yankees get a timely boost from old power source

As the MLB trade deadline (Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET) looms, the New York Yankees have found their most significant acquisition not in a trade, but within their own clubhouse.

The expected return of Giancarlo Stanton on Monday gives the Yankees a power bat they desperately need, a bat they couldn't secure on the market.

Despite a flurry of trades over the weekend, the biggest rumored name left, Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero Jr., remains out of reach for the Yankees. The right-handed-hitting Guerrero, while a talented hitter, is too costly and a defensive liability at first base. His addition would merely add to the congestion at designated hitter — a position already brimming with talent, especially with Stanton's return.

Stanton, who was enjoying a bounce-back season before his injury, boasts a .246/.302/.492 slash line with 18 home runs and 45 RBI. His .795 OPS and 119 OPS+ place him among the team's top performers, trailing only Aaron Judge and Juan Soto in OPS+ among regulars.

Stanton's return is a potential game-changer in a lineup plagued by underperformance. The Yankees' struggles in Stanton's absence are evident.

Since he landed on the IL on June 22, the team is 10-18. Even after a series win against the Red Sox over the weekend, the Yankees are treading water, going 14-13 in June and only 8-13 in July.

The need for offensive firepower is clear, especially with the team ranking 28th in slugging percentage for batters hitting fourth, Stanton's usual spot.

Trent Grisham has filled in admirably during Stanton's absence, but he's not a power hitter.

As Stanton reclaims his place in the lineup, utility player Jahmai Jones is the likely candidate to go, having contributed modestly with a .685 OPS and one home run in 42 at-bats.

Entering Monday's game against the Phillies, the Yankees are 62-45, one game behind Baltimore in the AL East. With the best run differential in the AL, the team has weathered a challenging stretch but faces critical gaps, particularly in the bullpen. The front office will undoubtedly seek to address these issues before the deadline.

Stanton's return provides an offensive boost at a time when impact bats are scarce. In July, the Yankees are eighth in the league with a .442 team slugging percentage, a figure that could climb as Stanton finds his rhythm. His presence strengthens the lineup and alleviates pressure on other hitters.

In a league where offense is increasingly hard to come by, Stanton's impact cannot be understated. His return could be the spark the Yankees need to solidify their playoff positioning and make a deep run in October.