The pressure of inheriting the legacy of a legend like Derek Jeter is no easy task, and Anthony Volpe is experiencing it firsthand
The young New York Yankees shortstop, who was once seen as the franchise’s bright future, is going through a deep performance crisis that has set off alarm bells in the Bronx. With defensive errors, a low offensive average and an increasingly impatient fan base, Volpe is in the eye of the storm.
Performance that falls short of expectations
Volpe, who won the Gold Glove as a rookie in 2023, has shown a worrying regression in 2025. In 83 games, he has committed 11 errors – the highest figure in the American League – and his batting average has dropped to .224, with just nine home runs and 44 RBIs. His recent 0-for-24 hitting streak has been the lowest point of his season.
Jeter’s shadow weighs more than ever
The symbolic weight of occupying the position immortalized by Derek Jeter has been a constant burden for Volpe. Every mistake, every missed play, is compared to the former captain’s excellence. According to analysts, this pressure has affected his confidence and natural instinct in the field. Trying to emulate Jeter has led Volpe to make risky decisions, such as forced throws that have ended in costly errors.
Criticism from all sides
Social media has amplified the discontent of fans. From memes to calls to send him to the minors, the frustration with Volpe is evident. Images ridiculing him have even gone viral, reflecting the level of demand that comes with playing in New York. The lack of visible leadership on the field has also been pointed out as one of the causes of the team’s collective decline.
Jeter and the harsh reality of legacy
Although Jeter has not made direct statements, his figure remains the standard by which Volpe is measured. The contrast between the serenity and consistency of the former captain and the current instability of the young player has generated debate about whether it was fair to burden him with that weight from the start. History shows that even Jeter faced difficult times, but he overcame them with courage and hard work.
Is it time for a change for Volpe and the Yankees?
Anthony Volpe’s situation raises a key question for the Yankees: should they continue to bet on his development or look for an immediate alternative? In the meantime, the young shortstop will have to find a way to regain his form and prove that he can write his own story, beyond the shadow of Jeter. Time is running out, and in New York, patience is a scarce resource.
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