Volpe Stays in Minors as Yankees Weigh Shortstop Options

Anthony Volpe is poised to make a return to the majors, but for now, he remains at the Double-A level.

It’s a bit unexpected, especially given how Volpe was viewed after winning the starting shortstop role during spring training in 2023. The Yankees aren’t simply handing him back that key position just yet.

Currently, there’s stiff competition at shortstop. Jose Caballero has been performing well, which means Volpe will stay at Double-A Somerset until at least Sunday. Manager Aaron Boone mentioned that by then, the team will have utilized a 20-day timeframe for Volpe’s rehab.

After Sunday, the Yankees will face a decision: either recall Volpe to the majors, define his role, or formally send him back down to the minors—a move Volpe has managed to avoid during his previous seasons.

Interestingly, in past years, the Yankees didn’t have a solid alternative to Volpe, nor did they have Caballero. But things have changed.

“Jose has earned his chance and contributed significantly to our early success,” Boone stated before the series against the Orioles. “We’ve got a lot of talent and depth on the team, with quality players competing for important roles.”

He added that they want both players—Caballero and Volpe—to be part of the team’s future.

Just three weeks ago, general manager Brian Cashman emphasized that it was always intended for Volpe to reclaim the starting shortstop position once he was ready.

At that time, Caballero was struggling at bat and in the field, while Volpe seemed to be on the rise in the minors.

However, since April 11, Caballero has established himself as a formidable presence, playing in 22 of 65 games with a .338 batting average and a .915 OPS, along with three home runs and seven stolen bases.

“I’m feeling good and just want to help the team win,” Caballero noted, mentioning that his breakthrough came when he stopped overthinking his play.

His performance has been impressive, both offensively and defensively.

“He’s definitely improved, showing skills that are better than anyone else in the league,” Boone remarked about Caballero’s recent play.

Volpe, who grew up idolizing Derek Jeter and was a first-round draft pick out of Delbarton School, has the Yankees’ support as a top prospect. During his less-than-stellar major league seasons, the Yankees never sent him back to Triple-A for adjustments.

In 2023, Volpe had a few standout moments with 21 home runs but struggled with a .209 batting average. He attempted to adjust his swing for more line drives in ’24, yet his OPS remained relatively the same.

The last season brought disappointing outcomes, with concerns about his defense, possibly due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.

The Yankees are banking on the hope that Volpe’s struggles stemmed from that injury, which has since healed.

His recent performance in the minors has been promising, hitting .303 with a home run in his first 34 at-bats.

Volpe himself has assured Boone and Cashman that he feels ready to contribute at the major league level.

Even so, he’s still a minor leaguer as the Yankees take their time, and while he doesn’t want to disrupt Caballero’s role, he admitted that focusing on one position is best for him.

Boone expressed his expectation that Volpe will be a significant part of the team, but this doesn’t guarantee he’ll be the everyday shortstop.

“I really believe he’s ready to contribute,” Boone said about Volpe. “Ultimately, he’ll make the choice that benefits both him and the club.”