NEW YORK — Yankees manager Aaron Boone’s unwavering support for Anthony Volpe is raising questions about the team’s commitment to accountability. Despite benching the struggling shortstop for two consecutive games, Boone continues to defend Volpe publicly while downplaying Jose Caballero’s impressive contributions.
The Yankees improved to 13-9 since 2023 in games not started by Volpe. The 24-year-old has been hitting just .160 with 10 errors since June 15. His season totals paint an even grimmer picture with 17 errors overall, leading all American League shortstops.
Manager’s public support undermines shortstop’s benching message
Even after sitting Volpe for Sunday’s critical Red Sox finale and Monday’s Nationals opener, Boone made his position clear during his pregame press conference.
“I have Anthony as our shortstop,” Boone declared when asked about the team’s plans moving forward.
The manager’s steadfast backing comes despite Volpe’s alarming regression. The former top prospect is mired in a 1-for-28 slump and has committed more errors than any shortstop in baseball. His .208 batting average matches exactly what he hit as a rookie in 2023, showing little growth in his third major league season.
Caballero’s performance creates uncomfortable questions
While Boone emphasizes patience with Volpe, José Caballero’s emergence has made the situation more complicated. The utility player acquired from Tampa Bay at the trade deadline has hit .286 with an .918 OPS in his 17 games as a Yankee.
“Cabby gives you that real utility presence that can go play anywhere,” Boone said, seemingly minimizing Caballero’s specific contributions at shortstop.
The contrast between the two players’ recent performance is stark. Caballero went 0-for-3 with an RBI in Sunday’s 7-2 victory over Boston, but his overall body of work with New York has been impressive. Meanwhile, Volpe’s defensive metrics have cratered from elite to problematic.
Yankees legend questions organizational priorities
The benching drew commentary from Yankees legend David Cone during ESPN’s broadcast. His assessment highlighted the team’s playoff urgency.
“This is not the time to be worried about anybody’s feelings about anything. This is the time where you’ve got to win every game you can,” Cone said during the broadcast.
Cone’s remarks underscored what many observers see as a disconnect between the Yankees’ win-now mentality and their handling of the shortstop position.
Defensive regression compounds offensive woes
Volpe’s struggles extend beyond his batting average. After posting elite defensive numbers last season, he has fallen dramatically in 2025. His fielding percentage of .962 ranks among the worst for qualifying shortstops.
The errors have become a particular concern for a Yankees team fighting for playoff positioning. New York entered Monday’s game trailing Boston by one game for the first American League wild card spot.
Boone emphasizes player development over results
Despite the mounting pressure, Boone continues to frame Volpe’s struggles through a developmental lens rather than focusing on immediate production needs.
“It doesn’t always go like this because guy rockets through the system. Sometimes it does, but sometimes it takes longer than that,” Boone explained when discussing Volpe’s trajectory.
The manager pointed to Trent Grisham as an example of a player who found success after early struggles. However, critics argue that the Yankees cannot afford developmental patience during a playoff race.
Team record suggests alternative approach works
The Yankees’ 13-9 record in games not started by Volpe since 2023 raises questions about the team’s optimal lineup construction. This sample size includes games where other players, including Caballero, have filled the shortstop role effectively.
Caballero’s versatility has been particularly valuable. Beyond shortstop, he has started games at second base, third base and right field since joining the Yankees. His .382 on-base percentage with New York far exceeds Volpe’s .274 mark this season.
Volpe acknowledges frustration with performance
The shortstop has been candid about his struggles while maintaining a professional approach to his reduced role.
“Just continue the work. There’s so much good work being put in. That’s what makes it frustrating,” Volpe said following Sunday’s benching.
He added that feeling unable to contribute effectively has been particularly challenging given the team’s playoff aspirations.
Organizational philosophy faces scrutiny
The Yankees’ handling of the situation reflects broader questions about their organizational philosophy. While player development remains important, critics argue that Boone’s public statements undermine the accountability message that benching should send.
Some observers note that Anthony Volpe’s status as a former first-round pick and organizational cornerstone may be influencing decision-making. The Yankees invested significant draft capital and development resources in Volpe, making any admission of failure particularly difficult.
September schedule increases pressure
With 32 games remaining in the regular season, the Yankees face an increasingly compressed timeline to solidify their playoff position. Their current 71-60 record keeps them in contention, but the margin for error continues shrinking.
The team’s upcoming schedule includes crucial series against other playoff contenders. Whether Boone continues rotating between Volpe and Caballero or commits to one player could significantly impact New York’s postseason chances.
Front office remains silent on position battle
While Boone has been vocal about his support for Volpe, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has avoided public comments about the shortstop situation. The front office’s silence adds another layer of intrigue to what has become one of the team’s most scrutinized position battles.
The organization’s previous investments in Volpe, including signing him to a contract extension before he established himself as a major league regular, complicate any potential changes to his role.
The Yankees return to action Tuesday against Washington with Volpe expected to reclaim his starting position. Whether this reset helps or simply delays further difficult decisions remains to be seen as New York navigates the final stretch of their playoff chase.
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