Anthony Volpe’s Struggles Put Yankees’ Shortstop Role in Question
The New York Yankees are pushing hard in the race for the AL East title, but while the team has been hot lately, not everything has been smooth sailing. One major storyline that has been developing involves 24-year-old shortstop Anthony Volpe. Once seen as a cornerstone of the Yankees’ future, Volpe is now finding himself in the middle of a tough slump that is beginning to affect his role in the lineup.
Last season, Volpe showed plenty of promise. He wrapped up 2024 with a respectable .243 batting average, 12 home runs, 60 runs batted in, and an overall WAR of 3.4. For a young shortstop in New York, those were signs that he might be on his way to becoming a steady presence both at the plate and in the field. The expectations heading into 2025 were high.
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But so far this year, the story has taken a different turn. Through 141 games, Volpe is hitting just .206 with a 1.3 WAR. His power numbers have improved — 19 home runs and 70 RBI already — but the inconsistency at the plate has been glaring. Add in defensive struggles that have left his reliability in question, and it has created a real dilemma for manager Aaron Boone.
Boone has admitted that the Yankees are now taking things “day-to-day” at the shortstop position. That statement came after Volpe struck out in five of his last six at-bats against the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers. The manager had previously given Volpe a vote of confidence, naming him the team’s starting shortstop. But after more struggles, Boone’s stance shifted quickly. Now, the possibility of 29-year-old Jose Caballero getting more opportunities is growing.
It’s a tough spot for a young player, especially in New York, where the spotlight is intense and patience can run thin. Yankees legend Derek Jeter has even weighed in, offering advice to Volpe as the young infielder tries to navigate these struggles. Jeter’s own career started with immediate success — Rookie of the Year honors, MVP consideration, and championships came quickly for him. Volpe’s journey is proving to be much different, with the challenges of the game magnified under Yankee Stadium’s bright lights.
For the Yankees, the shortstop position remains unsettled at a critical point in the season. The team is in the middle of a heated battle with the Toronto Blue Jays, and every lineup decision could impact their push for the division crown. While Volpe still shows flashes of talent, the inconsistency has made his role uncertain.
Whether he can turn it around and solidify his spot, or whether Boone decides to lean more on Caballero, remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that the Yankees’ pursuit of October baseball will be shaped, at least in part, by how this shortstop situation plays out in the coming weeks.
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