Yankees' Aaron Judge Shares Thoughts on Giancarlo Stanton's Selflessness
Aaron Judge has primarily served as a designated hitter since returning from the injured list, and Giancarlo Stanton has played games in right field for the first time in two years.
Stanton's willingness to play outfield, despite his injury history, shows a selflessness that is appreciated by Judge and his New York Yankees teammates.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 12: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees looks on after hitting a solo home run during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on August 12,...
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 12: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees looks on after hitting a solo home run during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on August 12, 2025 in New York, New York. More
New"He's a leader," Judge told Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. "This guy's been one of the best in the game for quite a long time, and for him to come in and start the season -- they kind of tell him just focus on hitting and just focus on coming back. It just speaks volumes to the leadership. You know what he means to this team, and how it's about what we can do to put the best team out there on the field. Ever since he's come back, he's been dialed in."
Stanton has produced a 161 OPS+ entering Wednesday, the third-highest number of his career. While he only has 140 at-bats this season, it's a promising sign for the 35-year-old slugger. Both of the years where he finished with an OPS+ higher than this, he was among the top-2 in the National League MVP race -- including winning the award in 2017.
"Better things happen when I get it in the air," Stanton told Kirschner.
That certainly is the case this season as his 19.2° launch angle is the best of his career. Stanton's performances are helping to keep the Yankees in the playoff race, and anything they get from him in the outfield is an added bonus.
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