The 2025 season was the third consecutive year that Anthony Volpe finished with an OPS of.666 or lower. The New York Yankees' shortstop is yet to have a breakthrough offensively.
Offseason surgery to repair a partially torn labrum will keep him on the injured list to begin next season. Despite his struggles, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the organization still views Volpe as the club's starting shortstop.
Without Volpe, Jose Caballero is the leading candidate to see the bulk of playing time at shortstop, including on Opening Day. Will the Yankees have a change of heart at the position if Caballero shines in the early months of the 2026 season?
The Yankees have faith in Volpe
A former first-round draft pick, the Yankees' unwavering confidence in Volpe is commendable yet questionable. If your starting shortstop can't perform to standard, why is he not delegated to the bench?
"Even so, Volpe has been a constant presence, logging at least 153 games in each of his three Major League seasons while providing value on the bases and in the field," MLB.com's Bryan Hoch wrote Saturday, selecting Volpe as his choice to have a bounceback season in 2026 with the Yankees.
"Manager Aaron Boone acknowledges he’d like to see Volpe get on base more consistently, but the Yankees point to his age, work ethic, and postseason résumé -- including a World Series grand slam in 2024 -- as indicators that brighter days are still ahead."
Perhaps Volpe will perform better without dealing with a tear in his shoulder. Or is this the ceiling for him as a player?
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