TORONTO — Ben Rice’s clutch ninth-inning home run saved the Yankees from another Toronto defeat, but the real story Tuesday night was how Cody Bellinger’s versatile excellence contrasted sharply with Anthony Volpe’s continued defensive breakdown that has him leading MLB in errors.
The New York Yankees finally broke their losing streak against Toronto with a dramatic 5-4 victory at Rogers Centre, but the win only highlighted the stark difference between two players heading in opposite directions.
While Cody Bellinger delivered another masterclass performance that showcased why he was the Yankees’ smartest offseason acquisition, Anthony Volpe committed his 13th error of the season, cementing his place atop baseball’s most unwanted leaderboard.
Bellinger’s all-around excellence lifts Yankees
NYY@X
Cody Bellinger is batting .280 with 17 home runs and 56 RBIs through 91 games in his first Yankees season, but those numbers only tell part of the story. Against Toronto, Bellinger provided the complete package that has made him indispensable to the Yankees’ playoff hopes.
The former National League MVP delivered two doubles and a solo home run in the 5-4 victory, showcasing the offensive consistency that has defined his Yankees tenure.
“I felt really good in the cage today,” Bellinger said. “Really liked where I was at, and I just wanted to translate that into the game and continue to stick with my plan. It worked out today.”
But Bellinger’s defensive contributions proved equally crucial. Playing left field, he made a spectacular sliding catch for the second out of the second inning before inducing a popup from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to escape a bases-loaded jam. Later, with the Yankees protecting a one-run lead in the ninth, Bellinger tracked down a deep fly ball from Addison Barger that could have tied the game.
“Cody saved the day there,” said closer Devin Williams. “As a pitcher, I’m happy that he’s out there behind me.”
Manager Aaron Boone was equally effusive in his praise. “Wow, what a good player,” he said of Bellinger. “Gosh.”
Bellinger’s Yankees transformation complete
Bellinger was acquired from the Chicago Cubs on December 17, 2024, in exchange for pitcher Cody Poteet and $5 million in cash considerations, providing the Yankees with exactly the type of versatile veteran they needed after losing Juan Soto to free agency.
In his first game against the Cubs since being traded, Cody Bellinger leaves the yard to extend the @Yankees lead 💥 pic.twitter.com/0RDjHbfmxT
The transition has been seamless. Bellinger has posted a .423 average with 22 hits, including four home runs, and eight RBIs during spring training, carrying that momentum into the regular season. His defensive versatility has proven invaluable, appearing at all three outfield positions and first base while providing consistent offensive production.
The family connection adds another layer to Bellinger’s Yankees success. His father, Clay Bellinger, played for the Yankees from 1999-2001, winning two World Series championships, making Cody’s arrival a homecoming of sorts.
“A guy like Cody Bellinger — former MVP — another guy that just slides right in. A great teammate,” said Aaron Judge, acknowledging how seamlessly Bellinger has integrated into the Yankees’ championship culture.
Volpe’s defensive collapse reaches critical point
Talkin’ Yanks@X
While Bellinger continues to exceed expectations, Anthony Volpe’s 2025 season has become a cautionary tale about the unpredictable nature of defensive development. Volpe now has 13 errors, tying him with Giants shortstop Willy Adames for the MLB lead, a stunning fall from his Gold Glove-winning rookie campaign.
Volpe's 13th error of the season ties Willy Adames for the most in MLB at any position
Tuesday’s error came on a routine ground ball in the sixth inning. “I rushed the throw and pulled it and gave Goldy a tough pick to handle,” Volpe said after the game, acknowledging his role in another defensive breakdown that allowed Toronto to tie the game.
The statistical decline has been dramatic. Volpe’s fielding percentage is 96.4%, a step down from his first two years. His defensive wins above replacement (DWAR) have dropped each season, going from 2.4 in 2023, to 1.7 in 2024, and now to 0.8 in 2025.
More concerning are the advanced metrics. His outs above average (OAA) of 1 ranked in the 71st percentile of MLB in 2023 and the 97th percentile (14) last year. Now, in 2025, he is already up to 12 in 846.3 defensive innings of work, while his OAA (-2) ranks in baseball’s 18th percentile.
Boone’s unwavering support under scrutiny
Despite mounting evidence of Volpe’s regression, manager Aaron Boone continues to defend his struggling shortstop.
“He’s still making a lot of rangy plays, he’s still making a lot of plays,” Boone said. “He just hasn’t been as consistent as he has in his first two years. That’s three or four plays we’re talking about.”
Aaron Boone says "a few plays" have created the negative narrative around Anthony Volpe's defense this season
However, fans and analysts are increasingly questioning Boone’s assessment.
“We’re talking about a few extra errors,” Boone said. “I get it. That’s a separator of when he wins a Gold Glove and when he doesn’t. He’s still a top shortstop.”
The numbers suggest otherwise. Volpe won the AL Gold Glove as a rookie shortstop in 2023, when he made 17 errors in 1,346⅔ innings. He had 16 errors in 1,416⅔ innings last year. Volpe has played 846⅔ defensive innings this season, meaning he’s on pace to significantly exceed his previous error totals despite playing fewer innings.
“All eyes are going to be on what you guys do at the trade deadline to fix this shortstop situation,” New York Post’s Brandon London wrote. “Aaron Boone, this cannot be the hill that you die on.”
Injury speculation grows
The dramatic nature of Volpe’s decline has led to widespread speculation about a potential undisclosed injury. Volpe did land awkwardly on his left shoulder back in early May while diving for a ground ball against the Tampa Bay Rays, though neither he nor the team has acknowledged any lingering issues.
Volpe had an ice pack on his left shoulder after the game, but both he and Boone insisted there were no health concerns. However, the visual evidence suggests something is amiss with his throwing mechanics.
Social media analysis has been particularly critical. “The MLB should launch an investigation on the Yankees about Volpe’s health. He clearly has a bad shoulder and for them to put out a 24-year-old out there daily KNOWING he’s not right is abhorrent and neglectful,” wrote one concerned fan.
Volpe’s problems extend beyond defense. With a stagnant bat — his OPS across his first three seasons is .666, .657, and .680 — the valleys are far outnumbering the peaks as of late. The combination of defensive regression and offensive inconsistency has made his daily presence in the lineup increasingly difficult to justify.
The contrast with his rookie season could not be starker. In 2023, Volpe won the AL Gold Glove at SS, becoming the first Yankees rookie to win a Gold Glove since the award was established in 1957, establishing him as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future plans.
Yankees’ contrasting trajectories
The Yankees’ current season can be viewed through the lens of these two players’ divergent paths. Bellinger represents everything the organization hoped to achieve through smart veteran acquisitions – immediate production, veteran leadership, and playoff experience that translates to crucial moments.
Conversely, Volpe embodies the unpredictable nature of player development and the dangers of assuming linear improvement. His regression has coincided with the Yankees’ struggles in the AL East, where they are 2-6 against Toronto this season, losing the past five meetings. New York is 10-17 against AL East opponents.
What lies ahead
Tuesday’s victory provided temporary relief, but the underlying issues remain. Bellinger’s excellence offers hope that the Yankees’ veteran additions can carry them through a challenging season. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball makes him exactly the type of player championship teams need.
Volpe’s situation is more complex. Whether his struggles stem from injury, mechanical issues, or simple regression, the Yankees must decide how long they can afford to wait for improvement. With playoff positioning at stake and the trade deadline approaching, patience may soon become a luxury they cannot afford.
The irony is unmistakable: while Bellinger validates the Yankees’ faith in proven veterans, Volpe’s struggles serve as a reminder that even the most promising young players can experience dramatic setbacks. In a season where every game matters, the Yankees need more Bellingers and fewer question marks at crucial positions.
“We got the monkey off our back a little bit there,” Williams said after Tuesday’s victory.
For the Yankees to sustain success, they’ll need Bellinger to continue his all-around excellence while finding a solution for Volpe’s troubling regression – whether through patience, intervention, or potentially exploring alternative options.
