The New York Yankees currently sit atop the Major Leagues in home runs with 57 and lead in OPS with a robust .817 mark. They’re also second only to the Chicago Cubs in runs scored per game at 5.5. That offensive firepower has fueled a 19-15 start to the season, placing them two games ahead of the rival Boston Red Sox in the AL East.
But the Yankees’ already potent lineup could soon get even more dangerous—with the possible return of the active career home run leader.
According to the slugger himself, his comeback might be closer than many expected.
Giancarlo Stanton, the active career home run leader with 429 dingers, is 42 home runs ahead of second-place Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels. Despite his incredible power, Stanton has yet to play a game for the Yankees in 2025. Last season, the 35-year-old slugger belted 27 home runs in 114 regular-season games, and added seven more in the postseason, raising his playoff total to 18 homers in 41 games.
This season, Stanton showed up to spring training reporting pain in both elbows, describing the injuries as “severe.” He even suggested that he might need season-ending surgery.
However, the possibility of Stanton’s return has gained momentum, and the Yankees are hopeful that his eventual re-entry into the lineup could elevate an already powerful offense.
Stanton’s Outlook Improved in Last 2 Months
That was in early March. Now, two months and three platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shots later, Giancarlo Stanton is expressing a much more optimistic outlook.
In an interview with the Yankees’ cable TV network YES on Sunday, Stanton shared that he is “hopefully not out too much longer,” signaling that his recovery may be progressing well and his return to the lineup could be just around the corner.
With Stanton’s potent bat potentially rejoining an already dynamic offense, the Yankees could be even more formidable moving forward.
The five-time All-Star Giancarlo Stanton, who has been sidelined with elbow injuries, took his first on-field batting practice of the season on April 22.
In an interview with YES Network reporter Meredith Marakovits, Stanton shared that while he doesn’t expect the pain in his elbow to completely subside, he’s aiming to get it to a point where it’s manageable. “There’ll be good days and bad days,” he said, “and you gotta understand that, and keep a good mentality and keep it rolling.”
Stanton also noted that on Tuesday, he’s scheduled to take another live batting practice session, during which he will face fellow injured Yankee, pitcher Jake Cousins. Cousins is recovering from a right flexor strain that has kept him out of action in 2025 as well.
Stanton’s willingness to push through the discomfort and his determination to get back on the field signals that his return could be near, offering a potential boost to the Yankees’ already potent lineup.
No Date Yet For Stanton Rehab Stint
Giancarlo Stanton, the prolific slugger who won the 2017 National League MVP with the Miami Marlins, has yet to set a date for starting his rehab assignment—the final step before rejoining the Major League team. According to Stanton, the timing will depend on how his live at-bats progress, and his rehab will proceed from there.
Just three days ago, the Yankees moved Stanton to the 60-day injured list, which, according to The Athletic, means the earliest he could return is May 24.
In the meantime, the Yankees have added some depth to their outfield by claiming Bryan de la Cruz off the waiver wire from the Atlanta Braves. De la Cruz, who has been assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, could provide a boost of power in Stanton’s absence. He hit 19 home runs for the Miami Marlins in 2023 and added 21 homers last season, split between Miami and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Stanton shared with YES Network that the prolonged injury has been “awful” for him, but he remains committed to helping his teammates in any way he can. “Anything I can do to help the guys out, any knowledge I can bring, that’s my job now,” he said.
Despite being sidelined, Stanton is focused on contributing to the team’s success by offering his experience and leadership in the clubhouse.
