It’s no secret that Anthony Volpe is struggling, and even his dad Michael coming to his aid wasn’t enough for New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.
The GM of nearly three decades addressed the Yankees shortstop’s struggles and offered him a vote of confidence before New York’s 9-6 win over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, New York’s third straight win.
Much like the 2025 Yankees, Volpe has been up and down. He is tied for third on the team in RBIs (48) and 34 of his 71 hits have been for extra bases this season.
Still, Volpe’s slashing just .217/.293/.391 and is second on the team in strikeouts (90) behind likely repeat American League MVP Aaron Judge. What’s worse is Volpe’s defense has also slumped, since the 2023 Gold Glove winner leads the AL in errors made by a shortstop (11).
Still, Cashman believes in his third-year shortstop.
What Did Brian Cashman Say About Anthony Volpe’s Offensive Struggles?
Cashman took questions after announcing the team’s plan to designate veteran infielder D.J. LeMahieu for assignment. During that availability, he was asked about Volpe’s regression in Year 3.
“I’m a fan of Volpe,” Cashman said. “The one thing I admire about Anthony Volpe is his strength and fortitude. Obviously he’s the starting shortstop for the New York Yankees, helped us get to the World Series last year, performed in the World Series last year and he does not lack confidence.”
According to Baseball Prospectus, Volpe ranks 251st among 294 qualifying hitters in batting averages with runners in scoring position (.192) and his 27 strikeouts are tied for 17th-most in MLB.
“I know [he’s] been streaky,” Cashman said. “I know he’s had some struggles.”
Cashman complimented Volpe to play through the criticism, saying it “doesn’t stick to him.” He acknowledged Volpe is protected from New York’s potent offense but believes he will contribute over its final 70 games.
“We have a really potent offense that’s one of the top run-producers in the game,” Cashman said. “He certainly can come join the party sooner than later, and I believe he will. I just have a high belief in him, but the peaks and valleys are part of a six-month season.”
What Did Brian Cashman Say About Anthony Volpe’s Defense?
Cashman cited shortstop as a “defensive position first” and offered more belief in spite of Volpe’s uncharacteristically bad season at shortstop.
Aside the fact he’s on pace to smash his career high in errors this season, Volpe has the worst fielding percentage among qualifying AL shortstops (.965) and is tied for 28th among defensive outs saved (-3).
“I know he’s capable of doing a lot of great things on both sides of the ball,” Cashman said. “I know he’s one of the better defensive shortstops in the game, but I also know there are times where that hasn’t played out this year as much.”
Cashman cited the fact Volpe is “a grinder” and plays every day even if he is banged up. Volpe has led AL players in games in each of his first two seasons and is on pace to play 160 games for the second straight year.
“That’s another thing I admire about the guy,” Cashman said. “He posts [in the lineup] every day.
“I think he’ll be fine. I think we’ll be fine with him, and I think he’s part of our solution and not part of the problem.”
Yankees GM Brian Cashman Voices Support Amid Embattled Star’s Struggles