The New York Yankees will take the field today against the St. Louis Cardinals without starting shortstop Anthony Volpe. Jose Caballero draws the start instead, marking the first time Volpe has not appeared in the lineup in 46 games, per Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. The move comes at a time when Volpe’s defense—once considered his strongest attribute—has slipped into a major liability for the Bronx Bombers.
A Gold Glove Past, a Defensive Struggle Present
When Volpe debuted in 2023, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s top young defenders, even winning a Gold Glove as a rookie. That reputation helped offset his weak offensive output, which included a .283 on-base percentage—the worst among qualified hitters in baseball. The Yankees believed his glove was strong enough to keep him as their everyday shortstop.
But two years later, that calculation no longer holds. Volpe enters today with 16 errors, second only to Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (17). He’s been tied for the league lead in errors multiple times this summer, and the miscues have come in some of New York’s most costly stretches of the season.
Advanced defensive metrics only reinforce the eye test. According to Statcast, Volpe has produced a -6 Fielding Run Value in 2025, a drastic decline from +8 just one year ago. Outs Above Average (OAA) tells the same story: after a strong +13 at shortstop in 2024, Volpe has cratered to -8 this season. He’s struggled across the board—negative numbers on balls to his left, right, and even in on the grass. What was once an elite profile has become a defensive drag.
Manager Aaron Boone has stood by Volpe, often praising his talent and work ethic in postgame interviews despite the numbers stacking against him. Boone’s loyalty, however, has drawn sharp criticism. Fans and analysts argue that Volpe’s errors have been the difference in close games, leaving the Yankees’ infield exposed during a playoff push.
A Pivotal Moment for Volpe
The front office seemed to double down on Volpe’s role at the trade deadline. Instead of pursuing a proven replacement, the Yankees swung a deal for Caballero from Tampa Bay. The timing of the move—mid-game against the Rays—raised eyebrows, but the fit was clear. The Yankees needed insurance at shortstop. Caballero, however, hasn’t been flawless either, committing a costly error in the outfield that contributed to a loss against the Marlins.
Ironically, in the same game, Volpe delivered a late home run that gave New York the lead, only for it to unravel. That dichotomy—Volpe’s occasional flashes of talent versus his recurring mistakes—has defined his 2025 season.
The decision to sit Volpe today may be more than a simple rest day. With the Yankees’ margin for error shrinking in the postseason race, every out matters. Defensive lapses have plagued the team, and Volpe has been too often at the center of them. His arm strength, while steady at 82 mph per Statcast, hasn’t compensated for the lack of consistency on routine plays.
For a player once heralded as the future of the franchise, the Yankees now face a difficult question: Is Volpe still that cornerstone, or just another young talent who peaked early? If Caballero shows steadiness in his natural position, Boone and the front office could be forced into a decision they’ve long tried to avoid.
At just 24 years old, Volpe has time to rebound. But for the Yankees, time is a luxury they don’t have.
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