It’s safe to say that, given the hype surrounding shortstop Anthony Volpe when he made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees in 2023, he hasn’t lived up to expectations.
However, Volpe didn’t create that hype himself, which is something broadcaster Michael Kay pointed out Friday while criticizing the Yankees fanbase for the excessive criticism of the infielder on “The Michael Kay Show” on ESPN New York.
Kay Rips Yankees Fans
Kay questioned why Yankees fans “hate Volpe so much” while breaking down his tenure in New York.
“Tell me why you hate Volpe so much? Did he do something bad to you? Did he disrespect the Pinstripes? What did he do that led you to feel so much hatred for him, cause I don’t get it,” Kay said.
“He carried himself with nothing but class and respect. Never embarrassed anybody, never dogged it on the field, played through injury all of last year. Did he become the shortstop that he was hyped to be? No. He didn’t hype himself. He didn’t come out and say I’m going to be the best shortstop in the world. He didn’t come out and say I’m gonna be the next Derek Jeter. Never … and check out the numbers. League average. League average shortstop.”
ICYMI: Why do New York Yankees fans have so much contempt for Anthony Volpe?
Tune into The Michael Kay Show weekdays from 1P-3P on the @ESPNNewYork App & YouTube 📲
Presented by The Perecman Firm!
WATCH THE FULL SHOW HERE: https://t.co/ylvdmCGdz5 pic.twitter.com/6PbCUkVKf9
— ESPN New York (@ESPNNewYork) August 7, 2026
Kay went on to predict that this won’t be the last we see of Volpe, noting that he doesn’t believe Jazz Chisholm Jr. will return next season.
“I don’t think it’s the last we’ll see of him,” he added. “Cause I don’t think Jazz Chisholm’s coming back next year. So there’s a good chance Anthony Volpe’s going to be the starting second baseman … But I just find it unsettling the negativity that’s thrown at this kid’s way.”
Volpe’s MLB Career
Volpe began this season on the injured list and has struggled to find any rhythm at the plate, which led the Yankees to send him down to Triple-A this week along with Jasson Dominguez. New York called up top prospect George Lombard Jr. in their place.
This season, Volpe is batting .240 across 56 games and 171 at-bats with one home run and 19 RBIs.
Throughout his four-year career, Volpe is a .224 hitter and has totaled 423 hits, 53 home runs, 211 RBIs and 77 stolen bases.
Michael Kay Blasts Yankees Fans Over Anthony Volpe Criticism