Anthony Volpe’s position with the New York Yankees is becoming increasingly uncertain as the 2026 season approaches, following a difficult 2025 plagued by injuries and inconsistent performance. After manager Aaron Boone’s firm backing last year despite Volpe’s struggles, the Yankees appear to be shifting focus toward other players, signaling a possible end to Volpe’s uncontested hold on the shortstop spot. The Yankees’ interest in Miguel Andújar, a right-handed hitter with strong offensive credentials, further complicates Volpe’s outlook.
Volpe’s Injury and Decline in Performance During 2025
Throughout the 2025 season, Anthony Volpe played while managing a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder, which the Yankees acknowledged likely hindered his effectiveness. His offensive output dropped to a .212 batting average, with 19 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases across 153 games—numbers well below expectations for a starting shortstop. Defensively, Volpe also faltered, committing 19 errors and posting significantly negative metrics in Outs Above Average, a sharp contrast from his earlier Gold Glove-caliber defense.
Despite these challenges, Boone persisted in starting Volpe almost daily. His support remained steadfast, even as analytics and results painted a picture of regression. Volpe’s struggles intensified after May, coinciding with increased strikeouts and fewer times reaching base, underscoring the impact of his shoulder injury on both offense and defense.
Manager Aaron Boone’s Continued Support and Its Limits
Aaron Boone’s unwavering faith in Volpe’s abilities throughout the 2025 season helped the shortstop secure his spot in the lineup, but signs indicate this support may have limits going forward. As Volpe prepares to start the 2026 season on the injured list while recovering from shoulder surgery, his status as the Yankees’ primary shortstop is no longer guaranteed. Competition is mounting, with young José Caballero expected to fill in during Volpe’s absence.
Volpe, we all know what he did last year. I don’t have to tell you,
said Joe, host of The Shift.
The shortstop position is not guaranteed… he still believes in Volpe, but there is a timeline… Miguel Andujar is coming back to the Yankees. Could it happen… Yankees decision makers love him.
– Joe, The Shift
José Caballero Emerges as a Formidable Replacement Candidate
José Caballero is poised to take over the shortstop role temporarily and possibly permanently if Volpe’s performance does not rebound after recovery. In 2025, Caballero led Major League Baseball with 49 stolen bases and demonstrated strong versatility across defensive positions. His offensive contributions included a .266 batting average and 15 stolen bases in just 40 games, highlighting his potential to be a profitable asset for the Yankees with both speed and defensive flexibility.
Caballero’s emergence adds immediate pressure on Volpe to prove he can return to his prior form and maintain his role in the starting lineup. The Yankees’ decision-makers are closely watching this competition as they evaluate their roster’s best path forward.
Adding Depth: The Yankees Explore Alternatives to Strengthen the Lineup
With Volpe’s offensive slump becoming increasingly costly, the Yankees are actively seeking additional reinforcements to bolster the infield and overall lineup. Key among these options is Miguel Andújar, a free agent who impressed during the 2025 season by hitting .318 alongside 10 home runs in 94 games. Andújar’s career-long success against left-handed pitchers—boasting a .297 batting average with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs against southpaws—makes him an attractive fit for balancing the Yankees’ right-handed hitting needs.
Andújar’s ability to play multiple positions increases his appeal, giving the Yankees flexibility to rotate or platoon him in ways that could benefit the lineup, especially if Volpe’s struggles persist.
Veteran Outfielders Could Provide Stability and Platoon Options
Besides infield considerations, the Yankees are eyeing experienced outfielders to add reliability and depth. Randal Grichuk is among those under consideration, bringing a proven right-handed bat with power. In 2025, Grichuk hit 17 home runs and maintained a .228 average over 113 games. His previous strong season in 2024, marked by a .291 average and a .875 OPS in 106 games, underscores his capacity to contribute offensively and serve as a dependable platoon or bench option. Grichuk’s versatility in different roles adds flexibility when the regular lineup needs rest or replacement.
Starling Marte is another veteran presence likely to interest the Yankees. Despite limited playing time in 2025, Marte compiled a .270 average with 9 home runs and 34 RBIs, coupled with a solid .361 on-base percentage over 78 games. His experience with timely hitting and hustle offers intangible benefits and could provide useful depth in the outfield during stretches when younger players are struggling or facing fatigue.
The combination of Grichuk and Marte proposes a strategic enhancement to the Yankees’ outfield depth, helping shore up a lineup experiencing inconsistency, particularly amid concerns about Volpe’s offensive decline.
Implications for the Team and What Lies Ahead
The forthcoming season presents critical challenges for Anthony Volpe’s career trajectory with the Yankees. Recovering from shoulder surgery and facing stiff competition from emerging talent like José Caballero, Volpe will need to demonstrate a swift and marked improvement to reclaim a secure starting position. The team’s interest in Miguel Andújar and veteran outfielders highlights management’s intent to develop a balanced, resilient roster prepared to handle uncertainty in key positions.
How the Yankees navigate these roster decisions may significantly influence their competitiveness in 2026 and beyond. Should Volpe fail to bounce back, the Yankees appear ready to move forward with alternative options, potentially reshaping the team’s core lineup and depth.
