Why the Yankees See Anthony Volpe as Their Top Choice for Starting Shortstop

Anthony Volpe is out of the lineup as the Yankees face the Nationals, marking the second straight game José Caballero starts at shortstop. The team is giving Volpe a brief mental break, but manager Aaron Boone emphasized that Volpe remains the team’s primary shortstop. He confirmed Volpe would return to the lineup soon, with Caballero continuing in a utility role.

Volpe’s recent performances have raised concerns. He’s hitting just .208 this season and has struggled significantly since May, posting a .198 batting average in his last 96 games. In fact, since July 1, he’s batting a mere .171 with a low on-base percentage. Among hitters with at least 100 plate appearances during this period, only one player has a worse average.

Defensively, Volpe had a standout rookie season, winning a Gold Glove and excelling in terms of defensive metrics. However, this year has seen a decline in his defensive performance. He’s committed 17 errors, tying his career high, and ranks near the bottom among shortstops in Defensive Runs Saved. This decline is surprising given his past success on the field.

On the other hand, Caballero has thrived since joining the Yankees. He’s hitting .286 and leads MLB with 40 stolen bases combined from his time with the Rays and the Yankees. His versatility makes him a valuable asset, even if he may not maintain his current hitting performance over the long term.

Volpe entered the season as the franchise shortstop for the Yankees. Meanwhile, Caballero, soon to be 29, serves well as a utility player. This dynamic creates an interesting situation for the Yankees, who must find a balance between developing Volpe and leveraging Caballero’s recent success.

As the season progresses, the Yankees’ decision-making will be crucial. Finding ways to stabilize Volpe’s performance while utilizing Caballero’s strengths could be key to their success. The management has faith in Volpe’s potential, but they must ensure that both players can contribute to the team’s goals effectively.



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