Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton ‘Isn’t Close To Being Ready’ For Red Sox, Insider Reports

Will he stay in the minors or will he go to The Show?

The Yankees are contemplating activating slugger Giancarlo Stanton from the injured list ahead of New York’s weekend showdown with the Boston Red Sox.

In three rehab games this week with the Double-A Somerset Patriots, Stanton didn’t exactly impressed, hitting .231 with three strikeouts.

According to a scout who talked with NJ Advance Media’s Bob Klapisch, the Yankees would be better off leaving the 35-year-old Stanton on his rehab assignment.

Why?

Stanton’s “Schwarzenegger swing isn’t close to being ready,” according to the scout who talked with Klapisch.

On top of that, another scout told Klapisch the timing of Stanton’s injury (he started he season on the injured list with tendinitis in both elbows) is “perfect.”

“Stanton can’t play a full year anymore, so instead of 6-7 months the Yankees are getting him for the last three,” the scout told Klapisch. “If I’m (GM Brian Cashman), I’m thinking this is going to work out.”

That plan worked well last season, with Stanton finding his swing during the playoffs, crushing seven home runs with 16 RBI during the Yankees’ run to the 2024 World Series.

If Stanton can return and stay healthy — that’s a big “if” for someone who’s missed significant time in each of the last six seasons — he will team with reigning American League Aaron Judge MVP to form perhaps the best 1-2 combo in baseball.

Judge is hitting an MLB-best .392 with 25 home runs and 59 RBI.

“I can’t wait. Everyone in this room can’t wait to see him,” Judge said, according to MLB.com’s Jackson Stone. “… He’s a big part of this team. He means a lot on the field, but also in this clubhouse. He’s such a leader, such a mentor to a lot of the guys, especially the younger guys, so it’ll be nice to get him back.”