The New York Yankees have stood firmly behind Anthony Volpe all season, even as his defense and offense have slipped. According to reporting from The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner, the organization continues to dismiss external criticism of their shortstop, leaning on internal evaluations that suggest he is still the player they want anchoring the infield.
Defensive Issues Exposed, But Yankees Stay Supportive
Kirschner noted that Volpe’s -7 outs above average at shortstop this year ties him for last in Major League Baseball, just above CJ Abrams, Bo Bichette, and J.P. Crawford. Public metrics identify Volpe as one of the weakest defenders at the position. Yet Yankees officials maintain that they do not believe the numbers reflect his true value.
Their defense of Volpe came into focus during Friday’s game against the Boston Red Sox. In a 1-0 game, Ceddanne Rafaela hit what should have been a routine groundout. Instead, Volpe tried to force a play at second base and failed to record an out. Jarren Duran, already back on the bag, laughed at the miscue. On the broadcast, former Yankee Paul O’Neill questioned the decision.
Manager Aaron Boone, however, called it “not the right play, probably, but in some ways, a heads-up play.” Kirschner pointed out that the Yankees’ reaction once again highlighted the organization’s willingness to cover for their shortstop in moments when his play hurts the club.
The issues are not limited to defense. Kirschner’s reporting emphasized how Volpe has been one of the least productive hitters in the league. His .276 on-base percentage ranks among the lowest of all qualified players, and since a brief surge just after the All-Star break, his OPS has cratered to .454.
Offensive Struggles and No Real Competition
Volpe’s prolonged slump has drawn boos from Yankee Stadium crowds, especially after strikeouts in late-game situations. Even then, Boone explained his decision-making in ways that showed continued faith in his shortstop. In one example against Boston, the manager was asked if he considered pinch-hitting for Volpe with Giancarlo Stanton available. Boone said he did not because of “reverse splits” against Garrett Whitlock, a claim that Kirschner corrected in his reporting—Whitlock’s career numbers do not support that matchup logic.
Despite the offensive woes, the Yankees have resisted giving José Caballero more opportunities. Acquired from Tampa Bay at the trade deadline, Caballero has impressed in limited action. But Kirschner reported that the team views him more as a utility option who can provide rest for Volpe rather than a direct replacement. The insider stressed that the Yankees are “all-in on Volpe being the shortstop,” and a hot stretch from Caballero will not change that.
Kirschner’s reporting illustrates how the Yankees’ stance on Volpe has remained consistent: the club trusts his work ethic, believes his defensive instincts outweigh the metrics, and views his offensive struggles as fixable. The insider acknowledged that the Yankees might consider resting him more frequently, but the idea of benching him outright is not on the table.
The picture that emerges is one of a franchise committed to a player they once touted as their shortstop of the future. Three years in, Volpe’s development has stalled, and the data paints him as one of the weakest regulars in the league. Still, as Kirschner’s reporting makes clear, the Yankees continue to defend him.
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