The New York Yankees never imagined having an issue with Anthony Volpe; in fact, he was expected to overcome several challenges throughout his career, but today, everything has changed. Neither time nor decisions are proving Aaron Boone right.
One only needs to look at Volpe‘s most recent performance before Sunday’s loss. Aaron Boone decided to return him to the starting lineup after benching him for three of the last eight games, but he went 0-for-4.
What’s wrong with Anthony Volpe?
Sports Illustrated compiles several key points about the still-young player. Tom Verducci writes:
“He is not reliable enough right now to be a primary shortstop, especially because his offensive game has cratered. Volpe enters play Friday in a 3-for-40 slump with 14 strikeouts and no walks as part of one of the worst Augusts for the franchise in the past 105 years,” writes the MLB analyst.
Worst on-base percentages in August, Yankees history (since 1920, minimum 80 plate appearances):
- Álvaro Espinoza, 1990 – .176 (10 strikeouts)
- Paul Wanninger, 1925 – .177 (7)
- Rondell White, 2002 – .181 (17)
- Gary Ward, 1987 – .182 (18)
- Greg Bird, 2018 – .191 (20)
- Tuck Stainback, 1945 – .196 (9)
- Anthony Volpe, 2025 – .205 (22)
So, what can be done with Volpe?
The same article notes that his situation is complicated because, unlike José Caballero, Volpe doesn’t play any other position. Additionally, he hasn’t been effective as a pinch hitter either.
Under this scenario, the best approach is to give him some games against left-handed power pitchers to try to rebuild his confidence. For Verducci, it’s no longer time to send him to the minors, but the reality is that Volpe lacks confidence, not ability.
“Few hitters have ever been given this much playing time in their first three seasons while hitting this poorly. There have been 321 players since 1920 who were given at least 1,500 plate appearances in their first three seasons. Volpe and MJ Melendez have the worst batting average with that much runway. The Royals have kept Melendez mostly in Triple A this season,”Verducci adds.
Worst batting averages in the first three seasons (since 1920):
- MJ Meléndez (2022-24): .221
- Anthony Volpe (2023-25): .222
- Roy Smalley (1948-50): .232
- Ozzie Smith (1978-80): .233
- Bobby Knoop (1964-66): .238
There are many factors working against him, but despite his slump, Volpe has something in his favor: athleticism, defensive skills (currently hindered by a lack of confidence), bat speed, and work ethic. It’s rare to see players with this combination give up.
The big problem, as many might agree, is that Aaron Boone and the Yankees don’t have much time left, nor much room to maneuver, with only 28 games remaining before the Playoffs, where their spot is still not guaranteed.
The truth is, given how challenging the battle is, the best option is José Caballero, and in this sense, the Yankees made a good decision in bringing him in, as they were well aware of the struggles Anthony Volpe had been facing for quite some time.
Read the full article here
