Yankees to Make Massive Anthony Volpe Decision Before Playoffs

The New York Yankees are locked in a tense battle for postseason positioning. They’re clinging to the top American League Wild Card spot as the Boston Red Sox close in.

The final weeks of the season will determine home-field advantage in the Wild Card series. One of the biggest storylines coming out of the Bronx revolves around a tough roster decision at shortstop with Anthony Volpe.

Volpe, just 22, has struggled both offensively and defensively. People are starting to wonder if manager Aaron Boone will stick with him or turn to a more reliable glove for October baseball.

Yankees in Control, But Playoff Stakes Are High

If the Yankees hang onto the top AL Wild Card position, all three games of the Wild Card series happen at Yankee Stadium. That home-field edge could really matter, but every roster move will get extra attention in the postseason.

Every lineup choice, defensive replacement, and matchup call will be under the microscope. The pressure is already ratcheting up.

A Logjam at Shortstop

The biggest issue sits right in the middle infield, where Anthony Volpe’s first full major league season has been rocky. Despite a hyped debut and some promising flashes, his production has dropped off, and his defense has become a real concern.

According to MLB stats, Volpe leads all American League shortstops in errors—a tough stat as playoff margins get razor-thin. At the plate, he’s hitting just .207 with an OPS+ of 83, which is well below league average.

These struggles have sparked talk that Boone might actually bench Volpe in the postseason. MLB insider Joel Sherman has even compared the situation to Gary Sánchez, the former Yankees catcher who lost his playoff starts because of defensive problems.

Defense or Offense: Boone’s Tough Call

Sticking with Volpe isn’t a simple call. Sure, his offensive potential is intriguing—he’s got some pop and speed—but his glove’s been shaky, and one mistake could end a season.

If you’ve watched past postseasons, you know a single defensive miscue can flip everything. Boone’s got to be losing sleep over this one.

Cabrera in Contention

Another option is Oswaldo Cabrera. He’s not a huge upgrade with the bat, but he’s steadier on defense.

Cabrera’s OPS+ is just over 100, so he’s a tick above league average at the plate. What really stands out is his steady, versatile glove—exactly what you want when the pressure ramps up in October.

Cabrera’s already shown he can handle high-leverage moments. Boone might trust that reliability if the Yankees are hanging onto a slim lead late in a playoff game.

The choice really comes down to risk: Do you bet on Volpe’s upside, or lock down the infield with Cabrera’s defense? For a team built on pitching and run prevention, Cabrera might be the safer bet.

Postseason Implications Beyond Shortstop

The shortstop debate is grabbing headlines, but Boone’s decisions go way beyond just one spot. October baseball is brutal—teams have to pitch, defend, and hit when it counts.

One mistake in the infield could wreck the Yankees’ playoff run. That’s just the truth of it.

Experience Shapes Strategy

Veteran teams know the postseason doesn’t care about sentimentality. If Boone thinks a lineup change gives them a better shot, he’ll make it.

If Volpe gets benched, it’s not the end of his Yankees career—it’s just the reality of October baseball. The stakes leave no room for hesitation.

• Volpe’s struggles: .207 average, OPS+ of 83, and leading AL shortstops in errors.
• Cabrera’s steadiness: OPS+ over 100, strong defensive presence, postseason composure.
• Home-field advantage: Hosting all Wild Card games at Yankee Stadium if top spot is secured.
• Manager’s dilemma: Balancing upside at the plate against reliability in the field.

The Bottom Line for the Yankees

As the regular season winds down, the Yankees’ spot in the Wild Card race is only half the battle.

The other half comes down to making tough, sometimes risky decisions that can define a postseason.

Aaron Boone’s choice at shortstop could be one of those season-defining moves.

Choosing defense might look conservative, but in October, playing it safe has a way of working out.

The Boston Red Sox are breathing down their necks.

With the promise of a rowdy Yankee Stadium in October, every choice just feels heavier.

Whether it’s Anthony Volpe or Oswaldo Cabrera at shortstop, the Yankees’ fate could hang on that one call.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB insider believes Yankees will make massive Anthony Volpe decision before the playoffs