Entering the 2025 MLB season, New York Yankees fans were hoping to see Anthony Volpe prove that he can be the team’s long-term option at shortstop.
Unfortunately, due to a large numbers of errors and very inconsistent play, Volpe did anything but cement himself as part of the Yankees’ long-term plans. That could still change this season, but there is a lot of concern regarding his future with the team.
Volpe ended up playing in 153 games for New York in 2025. At the plate, he hit 19 home runs to go along with 72 RBI and a slash line of .212/.272/.391. Those numbers weren’t inspiring.
Defensively, the 24-year-old shortstop ended up having 19 errors. There were too many mistakes for Yankees fans to give him a pass.
With that being said, a potential Volpe replacement option has been suggested for New York.
New York Yankees Connected to Potential Shortstop Trade Option
MLB insider Jon Morosi believes that Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams could be an option for the Yankees if they look into replacing Volpe. Should he struggle to begin the 2025 season, New York could consider its options.
“[CJ] Abrams is the name for me that will likely at some point in time move on,” Morosi said. “If [Anthony] Volpe struggles… maybe the Yankees take a look at someone like an Abrams down towards the trade deadline.”
Abrams would certainly be an interesting consideration for the Yankees. However, the reality of the situation is that he might not be an upgrade for the team over Volpe.
Last season with the Nationals, Abrams played in 144 games. He hit 19 home runs, drove in 60 RBI, and produced a slash line of .257/.315/.433. Defensively, he ended up committing 22 errors.
Just looking at the numbers, simply replacing Volpe with Abrams might not make a lot of sense. Depending on how both players start the 2026 campaign, this could be a non-option for New York.
Are the Yankees Done With MLB Offseason Moves?
So far this offseason, the Yankees have refrained from being ultra-aggressive.
Recently, they were able to accomplish their No. 1 priority entering the offseason period. They were able to re-sign star outfielder Cody Bellinger to a lucrative five-year, $162.5 million contract that includes a no-trade clause and opt-out clauses after the second and third years.
New York was heavily involved in the trade pursuit of star starting pitcher Freddy Peralta. That being said, the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets agreed to a Peralta trade earlier this week.
It’s possible the Yankees could still have more moves up their sleeves. Adding to the bullpen would be a wise decision. New York will also need to figure out the future of both Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones with Bellinger back long-term.
Fans shouldn’t give up on the Yankees putting in more work this offseason. They may not try to swing any blockbuster moves, but there are still improvements that could be made.
Insider Report Ties Yankees to Potential Anthony Volpe Replacement