New York Yankees Jon Heyman The two big Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton questions hanging over Yankees By Jon Heyman Published Oct. 5, 2026, 8:50 p.m. ET Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game one of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 03, 2026. Getty Images ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Two big questions hang over the heads of the Yankees this October. The questions concern their two biggest sluggers — former MVP Giancarlo Stanton, who’s on the roster as a pinch hitter, and three-time MVP/captain Aaron Judge, who hopes to be activated for the ALCS.
Question 1: Are Stanton and Judge going to be able to contribute to this postseason run?
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Question 2: If not, can the Yankees win without them?
As for the second question, it certainly hurts not to have them at full strength (Stanton) or at all for now (Judge). However, the Yankees have arguably the most intact and talented four-man rotation in this postseason derby, so it can be done. The Braves won in 2021 without Ronald Acuña Jr., and the Rangers won in 2023 without Jacob deGrom.
