Derek Jeter's illustrious 20-year MLB career in the Bronx would be a tough act to follow for any shortstop, no matter how prominent or talented they may be. Jeter won five World Series championships, made 14 All-Star teams and earned five Silver Slugger Awards and Gold Glove Awards in his time with the New York Yankees.
Many a shortstop has graced the diamond at Yankee Stadium since Jeter retired from professional baseball in 2014. The baton originally held by Jeter has since been passed on to Anthony Volpe, who has manned that spot in the infield since 2023, his rookie season.
Volpe's early showings have fallen short of expectations thus far, though, resulting in him becoming the target of strong criticism. CC Sabathia, another Yankees legend, wants that criticism to be dialed back.
Sabathia says 'people need to relax' when it comes to Volpe's struggles
The topic of Volpe's struggles came up in an exclusive interview Sabathia granted to the New York Post's Erich Richter. During the interview, Sabathia issued a four-word message about the sources of the criticism directed at Volpe: "People need to relax."
He also mentioned that the high expectations that surround the Yankees, as well as its nature as a big-market club, makes it difficult for any player to be successful in New York.
"It’s hard to develop young talent here. Just because of the demand, right? We’re trying to win the World Series every year. You don’t have time for guys to go through growing pains," Sabathia said. "If we were able to, as a fan base, as a city, let these kids go through whatever they’re going to go through... The game’s hard to play, man. It’s very difficult."
Sabathia said that phenomenon — and the fact that it's impossible for Yankees shortstops to escape comparisons to Jeter — is what has fueled the negativity surrounding Volpe.
"Can you imagine a 21-year-old or a 20-year-old that comes here, and all the pressure's on their shoulders?" Sabathia said. "I think Volpe gets a tough break because people want to compare him to Derek all the time and [say], like, 'Hey, he needs to replace Derek.'"
That negativity has only grown as Volpe remains in the midst of a 2025 season to forget. Despite driving a career-high 70 runs and launching 19 home runs (two off his personal single-season record), he has struggled to hit for contact, possessing a .207 batting average and .665 OPS. His defensive exploits haven't fared much better, as he leads the American League with 18 errors.