Stanton continues his hot streak with a 451-foot home run, accounting for all 5 RBIs for the Yankees.

Aaron Boone has seen Giancarlo Stanton deliver numerous powerful performances while managing in the Bronx, yet this slugger’s present condition could be considered his best. Stanton has maintained his relentless assault on pitchers in the second half of the season, hitting a Statcast-measured 451-foot home run in today’s 5-1 home win over the Nationals, driving in all five runs for his team.

In the 30 games since the All-Star break, Stanton has posted a .362 batting average (34 hits in 94 at-bats), with 13 home runs and 32 RBIs, boasting a 1.248 OPS over 105 plate appearances. Among all players with at least 100 plate appearances in the second half, only Nick Kurtz of the Athletics has a higher OPS (1.285).

"In terms of consistency, this might be the best version of him I’ve ever seen—though that’s a significant statement," Boone said before the Yankees’ 10th win in nearly 14 games, "the steady performance from at-bat to at-bat is unprecedented, and his command of the strike zone could be the best of his career." Although Stanton was initially reluctant to admit this is his best form since joining the Yankees in 2018, he acknowledged that he does feel deserving of that claim currently.

"I haven’t dug deep into advanced stats yet, but it’s always good to be part of that conversation," Stanton said. "Right now, I’m focused on progressing daily, maintaining momentum... making sure I’m prepared and not missing any mistakes from pitchers."

Despite Aaron Judge being sidelined from right field since July 25 due to a right flexor strain, Stanton’s outfield defensive ability (having played right field 11 times since August 9) allows Boone to field two power hitters simultaneously when Judge is limited to designated hitter duties. "It’s interesting to contribute on both offense and defense," Stanton said. "I make sure I’m mentally ready for any defensive situation." Boone praised his outfield play: "He’s doing well. Of course, I use him cautiously, subbing him out when we have a lead—both to strengthen defense and to preserve his physical condition."

The defensive substitution in the seventh inning today was prompted by Stanton’s two clutch hits. At that moment, the Yankees were trailing 0-1. Paul Goldschmidt opened the bottom of the third with a double, and MacKenzie Gore then walked Judge and Cody Bellinger to load the bases. Stanton promptly hit a 101.6 mph line drive into the gap in center field (391 feet), a hit that would have been a grand slam at 20 other ballparks, ultimately clearing the bases with a double and putting the Yankees ahead 3-1. "He’s locked in completely," Bellinger marveled, "every at-bat is exceptional, and his hitting power is the strongest I’ve ever seen. Watching him is both exciting and awe-inspiring."

After the Nationals’ bases-loaded threat was quelled in the top of the sixth, Stanton faced right-hander Orlando Ribalta in the bottom of the sixth and blasted a 112.7 mph, 451-foot shot into the left field stands—his longest home run this season, securing the victory for the Yankees. "I love seeing him step into the batter’s box because he’s always fully prepared and executes his plan," Boone said. "That doesn’t guarantee results, but I know he’s confident and will punish any mistake by the opponent."

Stanton missed the first 70 games of the season due to bilateral elbow tendonitis but has become a key part of the Yankees’ lineup since returning in mid-June. In 51 games this season, he has hit 17 home runs and driven in 46 runs, with a 1.051 OPS over 163 at-bats. "It’s insanely impressive," Bellinger said, "no one matches the offensive power of him and Judge, and witnessing such rare performances firsthand is a real pleasure."