Aaron Boone Backs Anthony Volpe After Yankees Bench Shortstop

The New York Yankees are set to bring shortstop Anthony Volpe back into the starting lineup after a two-game break. This move comes during one of the roughest patches in his young career.

Manager Aaron Boone says Volpe is still the club’s starting shortstop. He framed the brief time on the bench as a needed “reset,” not a demotion.

Volpe has owned up to his struggles, but his current numbers really do raise questions about his role as the Yankees try to get back on track.

Anthony Volpe’s Struggles at the Plate

In his second season, Anthony Volpe hasn’t shown much growth at the plate. His 85 OPS+ is nearly the same as last year’s 84, so his offense still sits well below league average.

The real worry isn’t just the lack of progress. It’s the month-to-month decline that stands out:

• April: .784 OPS
• August (so far): .551 OPS

This slide suggests pitchers are figuring Volpe out faster than he’s adjusting to them. That’s a tough spot for any young player, especially one holding down shortstop for a franchise like the Yankees.

The Mental and Physical Reset

Boone called the benching a chance for Volpe to regroup, both mentally and physically. He repeated his belief in Volpe, calling him “our shortstop” and shutting down talk that his job was at risk.

During Volpe’s brief absence, newly acquired utility man José Caballero handled shortstop duties. Volpe admitted the decision stung but didn’t dodge responsibility, telling reporters his struggles were “all on me.” You’ve got to respect that kind of accountability in a young player.

Defensive Decline Compounds the Issue

Last year, the Yankees could live with Volpe’s weak bat because of his elite glove work. In 2024, though, that safety net seems to have vanished.

• Seventeen errors — most among American League shortstops
• Ranked 34th out of 37 shortstops in Outs Above Average (Statcast)

This defensive drop-off is tough to ignore. Shortstop is supposed to anchor the defense, and when the glove slips, the pressure just piles on.

What’s Changed Since Last Year?

Last season, Volpe’s defense made up for his weak hitting. Advanced stats called him a plus defender, and the Yankees leaned into that glove-first profile.

This year, though, his footwork and throwing have looked less steady. With both sides of his game trending down, the noise around him has only gotten louder.

The Yankees’ Perspective and What’s Next

Boone’s standing his ground. He says Volpe is still their guy at shortstop, now and for the future. Maybe that’s about the Yankees’ faith in player development, or maybe it’s because they don’t have a better option right now.

Making a change at this point in the season would be risky. Benching Volpe long-term could shake his confidence, and the Yankees seem determined to avoid that as they think about his role heading into 2025.

The Path Forward

For Volpe, the answer probably starts with some honest adjustments at the plate. He needs to get back to the defensive basics that once made him stand out.

In the short term, maybe he just needs to simplify his swing mechanics. Focusing on clean, repeatable footwork seems essential too.

Long-term? He’s got to show he can adapt to major league pitching and handle the pressure of being the Yankees’ starting shortstop. That’s no small ask in New York.

As the postseason push gets serious, everyone’s watching to see if Volpe’s two-game break actually helps him rediscover his form. If he does, the Yankees’ infield suddenly feels a lot more solid.

If not, well, the team might have to rethink one of its most important lineup spots. That’s a tough spot for everyone as they try to get things back on track.

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Here is the source article for this story: Yankees’ Anthony Volpe gets vote of confidence from manager Aaron Boone after benching: ‘Our shortstop’