Anthony Volpe’s 2025 season ended the same way it played out most of the year: with him pushing through pain. The New York Yankees shortstop spent months trying to play through a torn labrum in his left shoulder before finally deciding to fix it.
According to The New York Post reporters Joel Sherman and Greg Joyce, Volpe had surgery earlier this week to repair the injury. The Yankees expect him to recover in time for the start of the 2026 season if everything goes smoothly.
Volpe hurt his non-throwing shoulder in early May after diving for a ground ball. He said he heard a “pop,” but the team believed it was a minor issue. As the season went on, the pain never faded. He took cortisone shots at the All-Star break and again in September but never went on the injured list.
The numbers showed something was off. Volpe hit .212 with 19 home runs in 596 plate appearances. His defense also dipped from his Gold Glove level in 2023. Advanced metrics like Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved both dropped, suggesting the shoulder affected his range and timing.
How Volpe’s Surgery Changes the Yankees’ Offseason
Now that the surgery is done, the Yankees face a few tough choices. According to reports from MLB.com and CBS Sports, the team is “optimistic but cautious” about Volpe’s recovery timeline. A typical return from labrum surgery takes four to six months, meaning he could be ready for Opening Day, but there’s no guarantee.
If his recovery slows, the Yankees may need to look for shortstop depth this winter. Jose Caballero impressed after joining the team at the trade deadline, and his strong finish could earn him a larger role if Volpe isn’t ready.
The situation also adds pressure to general manager Brian Cashman, who’s already facing scrutiny after another frustrating season in the Bronx. Fans once saw Volpe as the next big homegrown star. Now, they’re wondering if the Yankees should explore a veteran backup or even a major move at shortstop.
Volpe is entering his first year of arbitration and is projected to make $3.9 million in 2026. Despite the injury and mixed results, the Yankees aren’t likely to move on from him. He’s still only 24, and his leadership, defense, and potential at the plate keep him central to the team’s long-term plans.
If he heals as expected, Volpe could return to the player who helped win games with his glove and energy. But if the recovery lingers, it could reshape how the Yankees build around him heading into next season.
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