There is, however, significant light at the end of the tunnel. As reported by Newsday’s Erik Boland, Boone indicated that Volpe will likely rejoin the club following its weekend set in Tampa. Boland noted on X that the young infielder could “potentially” be dispatched for a minor-league rehab assignment as early as next week.

This is the update the Bronx faithful have been pining for. Volpe is eyeing a redemptive return following a polarizing 2025 campaign; while he flashed elite potential, he also drew fire for a series of defensive lapses that proved costly in high-leverage moments.

While Boone has recently lauded Amed Rosario’s burgeoning impact on the roster, the skipper is clearly eager to get Volpe back into the mix. His return provides a defensive anchor at a premium position and injects a high-upside bat back into a lineup looking to maintain its early-season momentum.

Volpe’s potential contribution

Coming off a season in which he posted a 1.6 WAR with 19 home runs and 72 RBIs, Volpe offers a power profile that could stabilize the bottom of the order. His career .212/.272/.391 slash line provides a needed boost for a lineup currently dealing with a slow start from Ryan McMahon, who recently addressed his own early-season struggles at the plate.

Despite the offensive upside, the question remains whether Volpe has addressed the defensive inconsistencies that plagued him last year. His 19 errors in 2025 led all American League shortstops, a statistic he will be desperate to rectify once he clears the hurdle of his medical comeback.

Nevertheless, Volpe’s tools remain undeniable. Between his elite baserunning, top-tier conditioning, and a cannon for an arm—consistently clocked between 86-88 mph—he remains a cornerstone piece in the Yankees‘ pursuit of a deep October run.

Volpe’s injury

Volpe is currently in the final stages of a lengthy recovery following a major arthroscopic labrum repair on his left shoulder in October 2025. Though the initial injury dates back to May 2024, the decision to undergo the procedure late last year has forced the 24-year-old to exercise patience during an extensive rehabilitation process.

Spring training has offered some bright spots, including Jasson Dominguez hitting his first homer of the offseason. Front office discussions reportedly focused on finding a player who could contribute immediately and help the team compete in the tight AL East.

According to reports, New York explored a potential trade for three-time Silver Slugger Corey Seager of the Texas Rangers. “The Yankees held trade discussions with the Texas Rangers about shortstop Corey Seager,” noted Joel Sherman of The New York Post. While the Rangers considered offers, they ultimately decided to keep Seager.

Rangers President of Baseball Operations Chris Young stated, “We are not shopping Corey Seager. We want Corey Seager to help us win our next championship… I want to make that very clear.”

Yankees face challenges without Volpe

With Anthony Volpe out until at least April or May, the Yankees have recently begun testing one of his teammates at shortstop for emergency situations. Manager Aaron Boone underscored the challenges ahead, explaining that “Volpe won’t swing a bat for at least four months and will be unable to dive on his surgically repaired left shoulder for six months,” according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo.

AL East will test New York

Even with potential trade targets unavailable, the Yankees’ focus is returning to consistent play and health. The AL East remains a competitive division, and New York will need to maximize its roster depth if it hopes to return to the World Series.

It was Chris Kirschner who reported on X (@chriskirschner) that Aaron Boone told reporters the Yankees are testing whether McMahon could serve as the ideal emergency option at shortstop. He is scheduled to play the position on Tuesday and Thursday.

“That’s why I want to get him out there this spring, especially considering the possible iterations of our roster coming out of camp. His ability to do that maybe allows you to go a different way, so we’ll see,” Boone said.

When could Anthony Volpe return?

There is still no firm timetable for Volpe’s return, but he previously said he hopes to be ready by April 2026. That gives the Yankees time to continue evaluating McMahon and any other players who may be needed to cover the position.

Even if Volpe does return, his roster spot may not be guaranteed. “The Yankees could opt to send Anthony Volpe to AAA following his rehab assignment if Jose Caballero continues to perform well,” The Yanks Only posted on X, citing a report from Joel Sherman.

Volpe was heavily criticized last season for a series of infield errors. Shortstop is one of the most demanding defensive positions, and despite the struggles, he finished with 114 hits, 19 home runs, his second-highest single-season total, and a .212 batting average.

“José Caballero has 5 DRS & 9 OAA at SS in his career — the defense is solid. If the bat shows up consistently, I wonder if the Yankees would push Anthony Volpe out. Caballero can ball. Posted a 134 wRC+ over 40 games with the Yankees in 2025. One has to wonder…” wrote Alex Wilson of Empire Sports Media on X (@alexwilsonesm).

Fans and analysts have started debating whether Caballero could be an upgrade over Volpe. Volpe, despite winning a Gold Glove in 2023, struggled both offensively and defensively in 2025, leaving the door open for a player who can consistently get on base and make plays across the infield.

According to his 2025 numbers, Caballero slashed .266/.372/.456 with three home runs and 15 stolen bases while leading all of baseball in stolen bases. The 22-year-old also posted a plus-five outs above average at shortstop, showing the kind of defensive versatility that could make him a regular fixture in the Yankees’ lineup.

When asked about potentially replacing Volpe as the starting shortstop, Caballero stayed grounded. “That’s out of my control. I control what I can control. I’m gonna go out there and do my best every day, and they make the decisions,” he said, per New York Daily News’ Gary Phillips.

Yankees’ lineup flexibility could keep Caballero in play

Even if Volpe returns fully healthy, the Yankees have multiple options to keep Caballero in the lineup. His versatility allows him to play third base or continue at shortstop, giving manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman flexibility.

Caballero has already homered this spring, showing that he is ready to compete for significant playing time and could prove a valuable asset if Volpe struggles to regain last year’s form.

Volpe underwent the procedure in October, hoping to fully resolve an issue that may have contributed to some of his struggles last year. With Spring Training approaching, questions remain about how quickly he can return to full action.

Despite the seriousness of the injury, Volpe offered an encouraging update on his progress. “My body’s ready to go. I started my hitting progression, so other than that, I mean, I’m full go. My body’s ready to go defensively and running, so the hitting will be what we work through next and judging on how everything’s gone so far, I’m just excited,” he said via SNY, adding that an April return is still possible.

Progress in his recovery

Volpe has already begun dry swings as part of his hitting progression, an important step after shoulder surgery. Defensively and on the bases, he feels close to full strength.

No excuses for 2025 struggles

While the shoulder injury may help explain some of his throwing inconsistencies last season, Volpe is not using it as a justification. “I know I could’ve played better, I felt strong and good enough to go.”

He also added, “If I didn’t, I mean, I wouldn’t have. You learn a lot about the mindset and how you’ve got to be self-aware, aware of certain things going on. And how to, if you’re going to play through, perform and do the best you can,” Volpe said.

Coming off offseason surgery on his left shoulder, Volpe is expected to miss at least the first month of the 2026 regular season. Meanwhile, trade deadline acquisition José Caballero is set to start in his place, giving the Yankees a capable replacement at shortstop.

As Joel Sherman of the New York Post noted, the Yankees may have added incentive to not only delay Volpe’s return but also consider a minor-league option beyond standard rehab.

Could the Yankees send Volpe to Triple-A upon activation?

Sherman explained the service-time implications if the Yankees decide to option Volpe. “If Caballero is playing well, could the Yankees actually send Volpe to the minors upon his activation from the IL?“ he asked.

Spending even a few weeks in Triple-A could push back Volpe’s free agency by a full season, from 2028 to 2029, giving the club more control and flexibility with future contracts or trade considerations.

Volpe’s path back won’t be simple

Last season, Volpe struggled in several areas, setting career lows in on-base percentage and stolen bases while leading the American League with 19 errors. Yet his streaky offense remained similar to past seasons, with a .663 OPS slightly above his career average.

For the first time since his debut nearly three years ago, Volpe doesn’t fully control his own destiny. Whether he regains the starting job immediately or faces a stint in the minors, the young shortstop will need to prove he can fulfill his first-round promise and earn back the trust of the Yankees’ coaching staff.

While Volpe remains central to the Yankees’ long-term plans, the team’s acquisition of veteran José Caballero last season underscored a willingness to prioritize depth and competition.

Now entering his fourth full year in the majors, the pressure is mounting for Volpe to establish himself as a reliable everyday shortstop. Since 2023, he has posted a .222 batting average with 52 home runs, 192 RBIs, and 217 runs scored, along with a Gold Glove award—production that reflects defensive excellence but ongoing offensive inconsistency.

Boone addresses competition at shortstop

Boone offered a direct assessment of the situation when asked whether Volpe will operate under increased scrutiny this season. “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 during an appearance on WFAN.

He also added, “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.”

Despite acknowledging Caballero’s impact, Boone reiterated his belief in Volpe’s long-term upside. “I still think Anthony is going to be a frontline shortstop in this league. Everyone’s path isn’t linear,” Boone said. “That can be tough, especially in New York, when you’re finding your way. But bringing guys in like Caballero, I think that’s good for competition.”

Yankees confident in core heading into 2026

Beyond individual roster battles, Boone expressed optimism about the Yankees’ broader outlook after an offseason focused on continuity and targeted upgrades. “I’m personally excited that we have the players we do going back at it because I think there’s a hunger there because we didn’t finish the job,” Boone said. “I think we’re really good.”

Boone reflects on missed opportunity

Boone admitted that last season’s ending was particularly difficult, largely because he believed the roster was positioned for a deep postseason run. “The end of last season was arguably the hardest one I’ve had because I felt so strongly about our group,” Boone said. “We were healthy. I felt like the moves we made at the deadline finished off our team.”

One of those positions is shortstop, where Anthony Volpe continues to face scrutiny. Once viewed as a foundational piece of the franchise, Volpe has yet to deliver consistent offensive production, placing pressure on both his development timeline and the organization’s patience.

That uncertainty has fueled external speculation. According to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, the Yankees could eventually explore the trade market for an established replacement if Volpe’s struggles persist.

“[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.”

Why would the Yankees consider replacing Anthony Volpe?

Volpe is set to enter his fourth MLB season still searching for offensive stability. He owns a career .662 OPS and has never surpassed .670 in a single year, finishing 2025 with an 83 wRC+, the lowest mark among qualified Yankees hitters during a season in which run production was at a premium.

Why does CJ Abrams fit the Yankees’ timeline?

Abrams, an All-Star in 2024, represents a shortstop entering his prime. The 25-year-old posted a career-best .748 OPS last season, hit 19 home runs, drove in 60 runs, and stole 31 bases for the second straight year, offering both athleticism and offensive upside the Yankees currently lack at shortstop.

Would the Nationals be open to a trade?

The Washington Nationals have already shown a willingness to deal core players during their retooling phase. “Washington also has been shopping shortstop CJ Abrams and outfielder Jacob Young this offseason,” The Washington Post reported, noting that while the asking price would be high, Abrams is not viewed as untouchable.

And this isn’t necessarily about adding new reinforcements, but rather about refining the talent the manager already has within his team. Anthony Volpe is a player who has had his share of struggles in recent years, which is why a proven, experienced name has emerged at the center of the discussion: Ryan McMahon.

According to Empire State Media journalist Alexander Wilson, while confidence in Volpe remains strong, the organization still believes McMahon could be the key to addressing one of the team’s main shortcomings in recent years.

“With Anthony Volpe struggling through three consecutive below-average offensive seasons, the Yankees are heavily dependent on veteran third baseman Ryan McMahon to undergo a late-career renaissance,” Wilson said.

McMahon can improve 2025

While Ryan McMahon’s 2025 surface numbers—highlighted by a disappointing .214/.312/.381 slash line—might seem lackluster, his advanced metrics suggest he is a prime candidate for a massive breakout.

The appeal for the Yankees lies in his raw power: he ranks in the 95th percentile for average exit velocity at 93.3 mph and maintaining a 50.5% hard-hit rate. If he can fine-tune his contact consistency, those elite physical tools would make him an ideal left-handed power threat to spell Anthony Volpe or bolster the infield depth, as his ability to do significant damage whenever he finds the barrel is nearly unmatched across the league.

Will Bellinger re-sign with the Yankees?

The pursuit of Cody Bellinger has reached a critical impasse, as the Yankees remain firm on a five-year, $155 million proposal while Bellinger’s camp holds out for a seven-year guarantee.

Despite the Yankees adding multiple opt-outs and a signing bonus to entice him, the cross-town Mets are looming as a serious threat to build a super team by pairing Bellinger with their new star, Bo Bichette.

Analysts note that the Yankees are seen as an ideal fit to land an All-Star if Bellinger joins Mets, referring to St. Louis Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan. Donovan has emerged as the primary pivot option to stabilize the Bronx infield and outfield should they lose their top free-agent priority to Queens.

Anthony Volpe, the club’s 2025 Opening Day shortstop, is recovering from shoulder surgery after a season defined by defensive lapses and uneven offensive production. Despite the Yankees’ continued public support, his pre-injury performance has raised legitimate concerns as the team evaluates its infield depth.

That tension was recently underscored by New York Post reporter Greg Joyce, who framed shortstop as a pressing offseason issue while citing the possibility of an unexpected alternative emerging. “But what happens if José Caballero crushes it in April as the Yankees’ fill-in starting shortstop?” Joyce wrote.

He added, “At this time last year, no one expected Grisham to be the kind of impact player he was, an example that Cashman brought up while cracking the door slightly more open for Caballero to give the Yankees a difficult decision once Volpe is back.”

Volpe’s uncertain standing

Volpe finished the regular season among MLB leaders in errors at shortstop, and his offensive struggles persisted well before the injury became a factor. While the Yankees remain invested in his long-term development, the pressure to prioritize reliability and efficiency has grown for a team with championship aspirations.

Caballero adds legitimate competition

Deadline acquisition Jose Caballero represents a credible alternative. A superior defender who reaches base at a higher clip, Caballero fits the Yankees’ stated desire to clean up their infield play.

As the Yankees navigate roster priorities—including uncertainty surrounding Bellinger—the shortstop position looms as an internal pivot point. Caballero’s performance could dictate short-term adjustments, while Volpe’s health and production will ultimately determine whether the club stays the course or recalibrates.

The drop in Volpe’s performance can be attributed to several factors, though the torn left labrum he suffered may have had a negative impact. Boone knows he needs him back at the highest possible level if the Yankees want to be a serious contender next season.

“We’ve got to get that number to go up,” manager said via MLB.com. “There’s a lot of different ways to do that, whether it’s getting on base more and hitting for a higher average, or whether it’s being more consistent on the power front.”

Boone also addressed the defensive side of Volpe’s game: “For the noise around him this year and the struggles he went through defensively in the middle of the season. I think it’s really important to know how good he was the final two months, which is more in line — defensively speaking — with who he’s been these first few years.”

“He’s had a lot of success offensively, but he’s obviously had a lot of valleys, too,” Boone finally concluded. “The challenge for us and for him is going to be to shore up those things to make him more consistent.”

Returning to his best form

As he works his way back from injury, Anthony Volpe is determined to elevate his game and improve upon his previous season’s stats of a .212 batting average, 19 home runs, and 72 RBIs.

While his .663 OPS showed room for growth, the Yankees are optimistic about his return to the lineup, with expectations that he will be back on the field before May.

Eyes on the future

The New York Yankees are taking a long-term view at the shortstop position, keeping a close eye on the rapid development of top prospect George Lombard Jr. While the team remains hopeful that Anthony Volpe can stabilize his offensive numbers upon his return, Boone has a potential replacement lined up in the 20-year-old infielder.

Lombard Jr. is coming off a strong 2025 campaign where he flashed elite defensive skills and swiped 35 bases, positioning himself as the primary internal alternative should Volpe continue to struggle.