NEW YORK — The New York Yankees’ nightmare series against the Boston Red Sox reached another low point Saturday when shortstop Anthony Volpe committed his 17th error of the season in a 12-1 blowout at Yankee Stadium.
In the ninth inning, Volpe attempted to throw out David Hamilton on a routine grounder, but the ball soared over first baseman Ben Rice’s head and into the dugout. The miscue allowed another Red Sox run to score, stretching Boston’s lead to eight.
Anthony Volpe is the American League in errors and is just one shy of Elly De La Cruz of the Reds for the most in Major League Baseball. With more than 30 games left, he has already matched his previous career-high total, putting him on pace for a troubling finish.
Third-year shortstop’s alarming regression continues
The 24-year-old’s defensive regression is stark. Volpe won a Gold Glove as a rookie in 2023, when he committed 17 errors in 1,346⅔ innings. In 2024, he made 16 errors over 1,416⅔ innings. This season, he has equaled that 17-error mark in just 846⅔ innings.
His struggles have intensified this month. Against Tampa Bay on Tuesday, Volpe made two throwing errors that led directly to runs. His recent miscues suggest confidence issues, particularly on routine plays.
The Yankee Stadium crowd has grown restless. Saturday’s throwing error drew boos and groans from fans, many questioning the team’s decision to keep starting him despite his struggles.
Boone continues to defend struggling shortstop
Manager Aaron Boone defended Volpe after the game.
“Volpe made an error, his first one in a few weeks. Been playing really well out there. Bad throw, and then not communicating well enough with a new player on the 3-2 count where Benny’s playing behind him,” Boone said.
Statistically, the picture is less forgiving. Volpe’s defensive efficiency has dropped sharply compared with his first two seasons, when his steadiness was a strength. Critics argue Boone’s insistence on defending the shortstop reflects a broader unwillingness by the organization to confront ongoing problems.
Offensive struggles compound Volpe’s defensive woes
Volpe’s troubles aren’t limited to defense. Offensively, he is hitting .208, the lowest average of his career. His slump has been especially pronounced in August, when he has just 12 hits in 71 at-bats.
The Yankees added Jose Caballero and Amed Rosario at the trade deadline as depth options. Both have hit more consistently than Volpe, with Caballero at .235 and Rosario at .289 in their limited appearances.
Historical context adds urgency
Boston’s dominance has underscored Volpe’s struggles. The Red Sox have now beaten the Yankees eight straight times, their longest streak against New York since 2009. During that run, Boston has outscored the Yankees 48-22.
That streak comes as New York’s postseason hopes grow dimmer. The Yankees trail Boston by 1.5 games in the AL Wild Card race, with the Red Sox taking firm control of the season series.
Organization faces difficult decision
Volpe admitted earlier in the week that he has never experienced a slump like this. “I’ve never really experienced something like this,” he said after Tuesday’s game.
His honesty highlighted the pressure he feels on the field. Observers have noted that he appears tentative, second-guessing himself on plays he once made with ease.
The Yankees now face a difficult choice. Benching a former Gold Glove winner and first-round pick would be a major move. But continuing to play him while errors and offensive struggles pile up could further derail the team’s playoff push.
The Yankees will face Boston again on Sunday night with a chance to salvage the series. Whether Volpe starts remains uncertain, but the spotlight on his performance — and the organization’s handling of it — is only growing.
A fan aptly put the question on X, “Is Volpe Boone’s son?”
What do you think?
