The New York Yankees have decided on Anthony Volpe, ending weeks of speculation. Despite José Caballero’s hot start since joining the roster, the Yankees remain committed to Volpe as their everyday shortstop. According to The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner, the team is “all-in on Volpe being the shortstop,” Caballero’s surge won’t change that.
Volpe vs. Caballero
It’s easy to understand why fans wondered if a switch was coming. Volpe has endured a frustrating sophomore campaign, slashing just .215/.283/.413 while leading the American League in errors with 16. Advanced defensive metrics haven’t been forgiving either—Volpe’s -8 Outs Above Average is just barely above the worst mark in the majors alongside CJ Abrams, Bo Bichette, and J.P. Crawford, per Baseball Savant.
Caballero, on the other hand, has wasted no time making his mark. In his last 10 games in pinstripes, he’s batting .400 with five stolen bases, bringing a spark that has energized both the dugout and the fan base. His ability to impact games with speed, versatility, and timely hitting has raised the obvious question: Should Boone turn the keys over to him at shortstop?
Kirschner’s answer was blunt. Caballero is “the hot new toy in Yankeeland,” but his small-sample success isn’t enough to unseat Volpe. The Yankees see Caballero’s value as a utility option, not as the centerpiece of their infield.
A Long-Term Commitment
The Yankees’ stance says as much about their long-term strategy as it does about their present situation. Volpe, still just 24, remains a cornerstone in their eyes. The front office believes his underlying numbers—particularly hard-hit rates—suggest better results are coming, and they aren’t ready to let defensive metrics define his sophomore season.
That doesn’t mean Caballero’s role is minor. Boone now has the luxury of giving Volpe the occasional breather, which could help him reset during slumps. Caballero’s versatility makes him a weapon across the diamond, and his emergence has strengthened a roster short on depth.
But make no mistake: the Yankees’ decision is final. Volpe is their shortstop, and Caballero’s presence won’t change that. As Kirschner reported, New York is “all-in,” viewing the ups and downs as part of Volpe’s development rather than signs of a permanent regression.
The spotlight will remain on Volpe as the Yankees enter a season-defining stretch against the Red Sox and beyond. Every error will fuel the debate, every Caballero hit will add pressure, and the noise won’t fade quickly. But for now, the verdict is clear: Anthony Volpe’s job is safe, and the Yankees are standing by their guy.
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