Yankees’ winter strategy may shift as potential shortstop trade surfaces

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New York — The Yankees’ offseason outlook took an unexpected turn this week as a rising young shortstop from the West Coast has emerged as a potential answer to one of the organization’s biggest concerns. The development comes at a time when the Yankees face uncertainty at the position due to injury, inconsistent production, and growing pressure to reshape the infield before spring training.

Volpe’s struggles raise concern in the Bronx

Anthony Volpe’s second full season in pinstripes revealed a troubling pattern. Despite high hopes following his Gold Glove-winning rookie year, the 24-year-old shortstop struggled at the plate in 2025, batting just .212 with a .663 OPS, 19 home runs, and 72 RBIs across 596 plate appearances. His 83 wRC+ ranked among the lowest for qualifying shortstops.

The problems deepened after a shoulder injury suffered on May 3 against Tampa Bay. Volpe felt a pop while diving for a ground ball and later required surgery that will sideline him well into the 2026 season.

“I personally think now, I’m certainly leaning more into that, yes, it was affecting him,” general manager Brian Cashman said following the operation. “Because ultimately, he had to have a surgery. None of that was really on the table in-season.”

Volpe received two cortisone shots, one during the All-Star break and another in September, to manage pain. Though he never went on the injured list, he missed several games after the second injection. His defense also regressed, as he committed 19 errors—tied for third-most in the majors.

The postseason only intensified scrutiny. Volpe went 1-for-15 with 11 strikeouts in the AL Division Series loss to Toronto, drawing frustration from fans.

“We grinded the whole way until today,” Volpe said after the Yankees’ elimination. “I know I could have done a lot better.”

Changes in Anaheim spark trade talk

While Volpe battles back from surgery, another young shortstop has caught the Yankees’ attention. Los Angeles Angels infielder Zach Neto recently changed his representation to Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a move that often signals a player’s intent to pursue maximum value in future contracts.

The Angels now face a choice: pay Neto long-term or trade him while his value remains high. Owner Arte Moreno’s history of avoiding large extensions adds fuel to the speculation.

Neto, 24, has earned that leverage. Through three major league seasons, he’s slashed .247 with a .756 OPS, 58 home runs, 173 RBIs, and 61 stolen bases across 367 games. His defense has been exceptional, producing an 11.8 WAR during that stretch.

A first-round pick out of Campbell University in 2022, Neto made history as the first player from his draft class to reach the majors. His 2024 season showcased his all-around talent: 23 home runs, 77 RBIs, and 30 steals over 155 games. He joined Mike Trout as the only Angels to post a 20-20 season before turning 24 and became the first infielder in franchise history to do so.

A painful memory at Yankee Stadium

Yankees fans won’t soon forget Neto’s breakout game on August 7, 2024, when he crushed his first career grand slam and drove in six runs during an 8-2 Angels win at Yankee Stadium. It marked the first time a visiting shortstop recorded six RBIs in the Bronx, a performance that underscored the gap between the two young shortstops’ trajectories.

That night served as a reminder of the offensive spark the Yankees have long lacked from their shortstop position—something Neto could potentially provide if trade talks materialize.

Financial logic behind a potential deal

The financial landscape makes this situation particularly intriguing. Both Neto and Volpe project to earn around $4 million in arbitration for 2026. Neto’s Super Two status gives him four years of arbitration eligibility with four years of team control remaining.

This creates a rare alignment where the Yankees could upgrade the position without increasing their payroll at shortstop. Any acquisition cost would come through prospects rather than salary.

Possible trade packages could center around outfielder Spencer Jones, top infield prospect George Lombard Jr., and a young pitcher such as Henry Lalane or Brock Selvidge. Whether the Angels would accept such a deal remains uncertain. Cashman’s track record of protecting top prospects has often prevented major mid-level trades in recent years.

Labor uncertainty accelerates the timeline

The Yankees also face external pressure. Major League Baseball’s current collective bargaining agreement expires in December 2026, and a potential lockout could halt transactions during negotiations. Teams looking to retool their rosters are motivated to act before the next labor dispute disrupts the market.

This offseason’s free agent shortstop class offers few appealing options, making trade opportunities more valuable. Internally, the Yankees have utility infielder Jose Caballero, but he is viewed as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution.

Cashman and manager Aaron Boone continue to voice public confidence in Volpe, though both have left the door open to change.

“I believe in the player still. I think we believe in the player,” Cashman said last month. “It doesn’t mean we don’t play with, on any level, all aspects of roster assessments. He’s 24 years old. I don’t think the New York stage is too big for him. It’s just still finding his way.”

The phrasing suggested that while the Yankees remain committed to Volpe publicly, they are not ruling out alternatives.

The Yankees’ decision looms large

Volpe’s injury, inconsistent offense, and regression in defense leave the Yankees facing a pivotal offseason decision. Neto’s emergence in Anaheim, his age, and his years of control make him the type of player New York rarely targets.

However, acquiring him would likely require a package of multiple top prospects, something Cashman has historically resisted. The Yankees have seen limited returns from several of their recent farm system graduates, raising questions about whether holding onto prospects continues to be the right strategy.

With Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón both recovering from surgeries and the club facing payroll constraints, improving the infield efficiently has become one of the organization’s top priorities. Neto’s mix of speed, defense, and pop makes him a rare fit for what New York needs.

The Angels, meanwhile, appear open to listening on several players as they attempt to reset under a new front office structure. Neto’s change of agency only heightens speculation that a trade could be explored if the right offer arises.

The Yankees’ shortstop situation remains unsettled heading into the winter. Whether they double down on Volpe’s potential or pivot toward a blockbuster deal for Neto could define their trajectory for 2026 and beyond.

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