The New York Yankees continue to treat Anthony Volpe’s struggles as temporary noise, even as the evidence piles up that the problem is much deeper. Three seasons into his big-league career, the 24-year-old has yet to find consistency at the plate, and his defense is no longer strong enough to mask the offensive holes.
When asked about Volpe’s issues, hitting coach James Rowson admitted he has no answer. “It’s a hard question to answer, to be honest with you,” Rowson told The Athletic. “There is really no real answer to say, ‘Hey, this is specifically why this guy is inconsistent.’” After 535 plate appearances this season, the Yankees’ inability to diagnose the problem says more than they realize.
The IKF Opportunity Wasted
The Yankees even had a chance to bring another option when the Pittsburgh Pirates placed Isiah Kiner-Falefa on waivers last week. Toronto swooped in, claiming the versatile infielder and adding him to their playoff push. New York, in desperate need of competent shortstop play, passed.
Kiner-Falefa would never be a star, but he represented a clear upgrade in reliability and familiarity. He has committed only six errors at short this season compared to Volpe’s 18 and has a .264 batting average. For a Yankees team chasing stability, IKF was the kind of low-risk depth move that contenders typically make in September. Instead, the Blue Jays made the practical call while the Yankees stood pat, clinging to faith that their current plan would suddenly deliver results.
This wasn’t about replacing Volpe forever. It was about giving him the space to reset without the weight of Yankee Stadium pressing down on every swing. The organization chose to do nothing, which felt more political than practical.
Blind Faith Over Competency
Manager Aaron Boone has remained steadfast in his support inside the clubhouse, repeating that Volpe is the shortstop “moving forward.” That loyalty has come at a cost. Since his debut in 2023, Volpe owns an 85 wRC+, the worst among all qualified hitters. His defense, once Gold Glove-caliber, has regressed, leaving the Yankees with one of the least effective everyday players in the league.
The refusal to even create competition is telling. The roster already includes two viable alternatives. José Caballero has stepped in and brought energy, range, and professionalism, serving as the type of utility weapon this team has often lacked. Amed Rosario, acquired in July, can also handle the position and provides more consistent contact at the plate. Between the two, New York could stitch together competent coverage in September.
Instead, the Yankees are leaning on blind faith, hoping Volpe’s next hot streak will last long enough to erase the valleys. That approach has already cost them games and may cost them October.
This sends a damaging message. It tells the clubhouse that politics trump performance, that some jobs are guaranteed regardless of results, and that a contender is willing to accept mediocrity in a premium position. For pitchers, it means routine grounders may not be turned into outs. For the lineup, it means a rally can die in the ninth spot.
Volpe may still find his footing in the majors. His career path could shift toward second base, or he may need a different environment altogether. But right now, on a team with postseason expectations, the Yankees need outs at shortstop and competitive at-bats. They had a chance to add another option in IKF, and they already have two capable backups on the roster.
Yankees Ignore Shortstop’s Struggles, Pass on Help