It's no secret Anthony Volpe has had a rough year and an even rougher beginning to his Yankees career.
Now in his third year as the starting shortstop, Volpe hasn't progressed the way the organization had hoped. Through 90 games, he's slashing .217/.293/.393 — about right on par with his career averages in 409 games.
Not only has his offense stagnated, but his defense and baserunning have appeared to regress — already with 11 errors on the season and a -3 Outs Above Average (OAA) after a career-high 14 OAA in 2024. He's also been caught stealing seven times in 17 attempts for a success rate of 59 percent.
Drafted in the first round with the 30th overall pick in 2019 and billed as the next Derek Jeter, Volpe has severely underperformed in that admittedly unfair comparison.
But even compared just among his peers, Volpe has not been good.
Since 2023, Volpe is one of 62 players who have registered at least 1500 plate appearances and during that time, he ranks last in average, on-base percentage, OPS, wRC+ and wOBA.
This year, he's currently on pace for a 2 fWAR, which ranks 24th among 30 starting shortstops.
Yet, despite the numbers on both sides of the ball, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said he's "a fan of Volpe" and admires his "strength and fortitude" throughout his struggles, especially as he goes through them at such a young age while being the starting shortstop on the Yankees.
In fact, Cashman still believes that Volpe can put it all together and become the player that he and the rest of the organization think the youngster can be and pointed to Volpe's success in New York's run to the World Series last season as a reason to keep the faith.
"He helped us get to a World Series last year, performed in the World Series last year and he does not lack confidence. Yes, there’s struggles that have happened and yet he’s like this," Cashman said while gesturing a wipe of the shoulder. "It doesn’t stick to him. It’s turn the page and he’s focused on tonight’s game, and I do have belief and optimism that he obviously will impact us in a really positive way on both sides of the ball.
Cashman continued: "He’s our shortstop and I don’t forget where he was and what he was doing in the biggest stage of the game last October and despite the twists and turns of how the season currently is playing out, (there's) a lot of season left to be played so I’m not counting him out and I know he’s gonna be part of the solution rather than the problem."
To Volpe's credit, Cashman is right about his performance in the postseason last year.
In his first taste of the playoffs, Volpe slashed .286/.407/.408 with a home run, three doubles, six RBI, 10 walks, 10 runs scored and five stolen bases (no caught stealings). His lone home run was a grand slam in Game 4 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the only game the Yankees won.
Now it's about getting that type of production for an entire season.
"The peaks and valleys are a part of a six-month season," Cashman said. "I mean, we got out of the gate somewhat unbeatable for a period of time and now we’re beatable. And that’s part of the twists and turns of a season, and trying to ride those emotions and try to keep perspective, but also recognize the potholes when they come up. I do not consider (Volpe) a problem. I understand that there’s struggles there, but again,I believe he’ll be fine."
The Yankees sure hope Volpe picks it up sooner rather than later as he's been in a massive slump over his last 30 games, batting just .173 (18-for-104) while making a slew of questionable plays at shortstop.
"We have a really potent offense that’s one of the top run producers in the game," Cashman said. "… and he certainly can come join the party sooner than later and I believe he will. I just have a high belief in him."
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