October's biggest X factor for the Yankees is this slugger

That kind of power makes him a constant threat. Stanton’s contact is inconsistent, ranking in the 8th percentile for whiff %, but when he connects, the results are jaw-dropping.

That kind of power from the middle of the order gives New York depth and flexibility, especially when you look at how the rest of the lineup shakes out. With Gleyber Torres leading off, Juan Soto and Aaron Judge in the two and three spots, and Austin Wells right before Stanton, the Yankees have a lineup built to compete with anyone in October. 

Soto and Judge are both having MVP-level seasons, while Wells has been consistent in the cleanup role with an .838 OPS.

As of Tuesday's win in Seattle, the Yankees now sit at 88-63, extending their lead over Baltimore to four games in the AL East. Their magic number to clinch a postseason berth is just one. 

Stanton’s contributions, even in a somewhat diminished role, are a big reason why the Yankees are on the cusp of October baseball again.

But it’s not just about the regular season numbers. Stanton’s postseason resume speaks for itself. 

In 27 career playoff games, he’s slugged 11 home runs and posted a .963 OPS. That kind of production, combined with Judge and Soto, gives New York a deadly trio for opposing pitchers. 

“He’s huge in the middle...G doing G things. Not many people hit the ball like that,” manager Aaron Boone told the New York Post's Mollie Walker in August.

Stanton has shown he can still rise to the occasion. His 10 home runs from the seventh inning on and solid .814 OPS in late innings are proof that he thrives when the pressure is on. In high-leverage situations, his .737 OPS isn’t elite, but it’s enough to show he can come through when it counts.

The Yankees’ success this postseason will depend on more than just Stanton’s power, but having him healthy and productive in key moments could be the difference between a deep October run and an early exit. 

As the team prepares for the stretch run, Stanton is far from a liability—he’s still the kind of game-changer that can flip the script in New York’s favor.