Why the Yankees Continue to Back Anthony Volpe Amid Slump

Friday night’s tense Yankees–Red Sox clash ended in a 1-0 defeat for New York. But the storyline went far beyond the scoreboard.

A crucial ninth-inning decision by shortstop Anthony Volpe, paired with his season-long struggles, has amplified concerns about his role as the team’s everyday starter. Manager Aaron Boone keeps defending his young infielder, though fans, broadcasters, and analysts seem to see things differently — and patience is running out.

The Ninth-Inning Misstep That Changed the Game

In a game where runs were scarce and defense meant everything, Volpe’s split-second choice in the ninth inning set off a storm of criticism. He fielded a routine ground ball, skipped the easy out at first, and tried to gun down Jarren Duran at second.

Why the Throw to Second Backfired

The play left everyone safe, with no outs and the Yankees suddenly in a jam. Boone called it “not the right play” but also “kind of a heads-up play,” though that nuance was lost on most people watching.

Even longtime Yankees voice and former player Paul O’Neill openly questioned the decision, calling it an unnecessary gamble in a division game where every detail matters. Volpe did manage a sharp throw later to nab Duran at home plate on a failed contact play, which helped a bit. Still, by then, the damage and momentum shift had already been felt.

Volpe’s 2025 Season: A Concerning Downward Trend

The ninth-inning gaffe isn’t just a one-off — it’s part of a bigger problem. By every key measure, Volpe’s performance in 2025 has slipped.

He ranks near the bottom among MLB shortstops in offense, defense, and base running. That’s raising real questions about whether he still deserves an everyday role on a team that’s supposed to be contending.

Numbers That Tell the Story

Just a year after showing flashes of star potential, Volpe’s stats have fallen off a cliff:

• .276 OBP — among the lowest in all of Major League Baseball.
• 1-for-25 slump at the plate entering Friday’s game, showing a serious loss of timing and confidence.
• Defensive metrics putting him near the bottom of qualified shortstops, which was supposed to be his strength.

The frustration boiled over at Yankee Stadium when fans greeted his eighth-inning three-pitch strikeout with a cascade of boos. That’s an unmistakable sign of impatience in a market that doesn’t cut much slack for struggling young players.

Boone’s Loyalty vs. the Reality on the Field

Manager Aaron Boone keeps standing by Volpe, praising his work ethic and pointing to brief hot streaks as proof he belongs. In Boone’s view, the 24-year-old needs reps to grow and has the tools to eventually get back on track.

An Untouchable… For Now

Despite having options like José Caballero, the organization hasn’t shown much interest in making a change. That’s striking, especially considering the Yankees’ usual win-now mentality everywhere else.

In a season where the AL East might come down to the wire, a struggling starter could be the difference between home-field advantage in the playoffs and watching October baseball from the couch.

The Path Forward for Both Player and Team

For Volpe, the fix isn’t coming overnight. His swing mechanics, plate discipline, and defensive decisions all need work.

The Yankees could give him a reduced role, let him reset mentally, or even consider a short-term demotion to help him regain confidence. But right now, none of those options seem to be on the table.

Time is Ticking in the Bronx

Baseball’s long season gives teams room to turn things around. It also puts every weakness under a microscope.

Each game can feel huge — especially when the opponent is Boston. If Volpe doesn’t fix things soon, the team’s patience might seem less like loyalty and more like a risk.

The Yankees want another championship, but they might have to make a tough call. For now, fans are just watching and waiting.

They hope the shortstop who once showed so much promise can find his groove again. Maybe Friday’s ninth-inning mistake will be a turning point, not a warning sign.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees continue to defend Anthony Volpe despite poor performance. Why?