However, general manager Brian Cashman referenced a number of players returning from the injured list who would act as de facto deal additions, and veteran slugger Giancarlo Stanton played a part in that equation. Stanton recently returned from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for over a month.

The Yankees Need the Pre-Injury Version of Stanton

The 34-year-old was putting together exciting bounce-back numbers before the injury, currently hitting .241/.297/.475. He had an on-base percentage above 30% for the first time in two years, but that number has dipped below after not seeing any live action for weeks.

Stanton hosts a 117 wRC+, suggesting he is 17% better than the average MLB hitter. His batting average has increased substantially compared to the past two years, and his 18 homers and 45 RBIs have made a positive impact. In the end, he could be the difference between the Yankees making a deep playoff push or experiencing an early exit. He has the capacity to change the course of a game in the blink of an eye; all it takes is one poorly located pitch for him to put runs on the board.