The New York Yankees face a real shortstop crisis as Anthony Volpe’s season keeps unraveling on both sides of the ball. Once the future of the franchise, Volpe has slipped into a deep slump that’s left manager Aaron Boone in a tricky spot.
Boone keeps calling Volpe the team’s “primary” shortstop, but he’s started giving more chances to the red-hot Jose Caballero. With the postseason just a month away, the Yankees have to decide whether to stick with Volpe through his struggles or lean on someone more reliable for October.
A Brutal Slump with the Bat
Volpe’s August? It’s been rough. In his last 43 plate appearances, he’s just 3-for-40, striking out 14 times and not drawing a single walk.
That’s one of the worst late-season slides Yankee fans have seen in years. His batting average through three seasons sits at .222, which puts him in a pretty unflattering group among young position players recently.
Offensive Issues Run Deep
There’s a lot going wrong for Volpe at the plate. He’s tried tweaking his swing again and again, but nothing’s stuck.
His swing should let him hit to the opposite field, but he hasn’t made that work. He hits fastballs well, but pitchers have figured him out — they’re feeding him cutters and breaking balls away from his barrel, and it’s working.
That approach has made Volpe one of the league’s worst hitters in two-strike counts. Boone’s choice to put him in the leadoff spot early on is looking questionable now.
Volpe’s on-base percentage at the top of the order is just .288. That’s not helping the Yankees’ already shaky offense.
Defensive Confidence on the Decline
The struggles aren’t just at the plate. Lately, Volpe’s glove hasn’t looked as reliable as it did earlier in the year.
Some scouts think the issue isn’t physical — his tools are still there — but more about confidence. Either way, his footwork and decision-making have slipped, and it’s hurt the Yankees in tight games.
The Caballero Factor
Boone has started using Jose Caballero more often. Caballero brings a steady glove and can chip in at the plate, even if it’s just in smaller doses.
He gives the Yankees a safer option, especially with the playoffs looming and every mistake under the microscope.
Evaluating the Next 29 Games
With 29 games left before the playoffs, the Yankees have a tough call. Do they keep trusting Volpe, hoping his talent and athleticism finally break through?
Or do they give Caballero more run, hoping to steady the ship — even if it might slow Volpe’s growth at a crucial moment?
Reasons for Cautious Optimism
It’s not all doom and gloom. Volpe still has elite speed, range, and arm strength — and honestly, young infielders are going to hit bumps in the road.
If he can adjust to breaking balls and settle down in the field, he could still help in October. That’s not a guarantee, though; he’ll need some actual tweaks and a mental reset to get there.
Key Takeaways for Yankees Fans
The Yankees front office faces some tough choices right now. Here’s what’s fueling all the chatter about their shortstop situation:
- Offensive Collapse: He’s gone 3-for-40, hasn’t drawn a single walk, and the strikeouts are piling up. That’s a recipe for shattered confidence.
- Defensive Regression: He’s making more errors and hesitating, but it looks like nerves, not a lack of skill, are to blame.
- Pitch Recognition Issues: Breaking balls, especially with two strikes, are giving him fits.
- Leadoff Struggles: He’s posting a .288 OBP, which just isn’t cutting it in the leadoff spot.
- Alternative Option: Jose Caballero has stepped in with a steadier glove and more reliable play lately.
The Yankees have a big call to make. Will they stick with Volpe or roll the dice with Caballero? The next few weeks are going to say a lot about both the shortstop’s future and the team’s playoff chances.
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Here is the source article for this story: How Former Top Yankees Prospect Anthony Volpe Became Unplayable
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