With just five series left in the regular season following a series win over the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees have made a major decision regarding shortstop Anthony Volpe. Due to both offensive and defensive struggles this year, Volpe has lost his starting role to recent acquisition Jose Caballero.
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Volpe has been battling a shoulder issue but emphasized that his decisions are now based solely on which players give the team the best shot at winning. “(Caballero) has been playing great and brings a lot to the table,” Boone told MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “This is the time of year where every game matters, and I’ll do what’s best for the team each day.”
With Volpe losing his spot, speculation has grown that the Yankees may move on from him completely. Analyst Jim Riley of BALLCAP Sports predicted Volpe won’t return to the team next season, suggesting a change of scenery could benefit the struggling shortstop. “He’s clearly taken a step back offensively,” Riley said, adding that other teams would likely still show interest in trading for Volpe.
Riley named the Padres, Pirates, Giants, Tigers, and Guardians as potential trade destinations. However, it’s unclear if the Yankees would sell low on Volpe, who still has three years of arbitration eligibility. They may instead keep him and hope he rebounds next season, potentially increasing his trade value later on.