The New York Yankees could make a surprising decision on shortstop Anthony Volpe.
Volpe is the Yankees’ starting shortstop, but he won’t be ready for Opening Day due to a shoulder injury. Once healthy, it’s widely expected that Volpe will return as the starting shortstop.
However, ESPN MLB insider Jorge Castillo believes the Yankees could keep Volpe in Triple-A once he’s healthy to allow him to step away from the spotlight for a bit.
“He has not ruled out an April return, but Cashman has signaled that May is more likely,” Castillo wrote. “In the meantime, Jose Caballero will begin the season as the everyday shortstop. Cashman and Boone have expressed their continued faith in Volpe, but Cashman in December opened the door for Caballero to remain the starting shortstop if he plays well during Volpe’s absence.
“Another possibility — though the least likely — is the Yankees keep Volpe in Triple-A after his rehab stint. He has minor league options remaining. The Yankees could decide to let Volpe find his rhythm in a less pressurized setting.”
Volpe remaining in Triple-A would be a surprise, but if Caballero plays well in April, perhaps that is a decision the Yankees make.
By remaining in Triple-A, Volpe can make sure his timing at the plate is 100 percent, as well as his defense, which will be needed for the stretch run.
Volpe hit .212 with 19 home runs and 72 RBIs last season.
Volpe Eager to be Fully Healthy
Although Volpe is expected to miss the start of the season, he’s excited to be 100 percent healthy.
Volpe had surgery on his shoulder, which plagued him all season, and he said he’s excited to be healthy.
“I was excited when they showed me how cleaned up and fixed everything was,” Volpe said. “That was the motivating and positive thing to come out of it, even though right after surgery I felt horrible. Knowing that it’s fixed, then it’s just a road to recovery.”
Volpe tried to play through the injury last season, but it did impact his defensive play as well as his offense.
“I just can’t wait to go back out there and play and help the team win,” Volpe said. “If I do that and play the way I know I can play, everything will take care of itself. I appreciate everything that comes with being the shortstop for the New York Yankees. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Volpe was a Gold Glove Award winner in 2023.
Yankees Manager Sends Message to Volpe
Volpe has struggled defensively in the past two years, so New York acquired Caballero to add some competition.
Ahead of the 2026 season, Yankees manager Aaron Boone sent a message to Volpe.
“Now with José Caballero in the mix, we have somebody that’s like, ‘Man, this guy’s a really good big league player,’” Boone said. “I think (Caballero) showed that with us. He’s shown that the last couple of years with Tampa and Seattle, can really legit defend at a lot different places, including shortstop. He started to push himself into the mix a little bit last year.
“I still think Anthony is going to be a frontline shortstop in this league. Everyone’s path isn’t linear. We always wanted to be here. That can be tough, especially in New York, when you’re finding your way. I think he’s going to turn into that player, and I wanted to be here. But bringing guys in like Caballero, I think that’s good for competition.”
The Yankees open their 2026 MLB season on March 25 against the San Francisco Giants.
Yankees Linked to Make Surprising Decision on Anthony Volpe After Rehab