As the New York Yankees struggle through a slump in the 2025 season, attention has sharply focused on shortstop Anthony Volpe’s disappointing performance, reigniting the ongoing Anthony Volpe Yankees trade debate. Former Yankee Alex Rodriguez recently expressed frustration with Volpe’s production, even suggesting a trade if the young infielder does not quickly improve his contact hitting and defense.
Rodriguez voiced his concerns during a recent appearance on The Michael Kay Show, emphasizing that Volpe’s promise has yet to translate into consistent contributions, which the Yankees desperately need to climb out of their midseason slump and contend this October.
Alex Rodriguez Challenges Volpe’s Performance and Proposes a Trade
Alex Rodriguez, regarded as one of the greatest shortstops in Yankees history, made his critique clear by prioritizing contact hitting and defensive reliability over power numbers in Volpe’s game. Despite Volpe’s strong pedigree and early flashes this season, Rodriguez laid out a specific benchmark the young player has failed to meet so far.
Rodriguez stated,
“I think Volpe is a nice player… You just cannot win a World Series with any player… It’s just not acceptable… I would trade Volpe’s home runs and RBIs, and I would trade him today, right now for a .280 batting average, 10-12 home runs, 65-75 RBIs, and give me 40 stolen bases and play lockdown defense.”
—Alex Rodriguez, Former New York Yankee
Volpe began the season showing some promise, batting .237 with five home runs and a .784 OPS across his first 31 games. However, his performance rapidly declined, slipping to a .171 batting average and a poor .472 OPS over the subsequent 24 games, effectively dragging down both the Yankees lineup’s momentum and clubhouse morale.
Offensive and Defensive Struggles Plague Volpe’s Season
Beyond his offensive struggles, Anthony Volpe’s defense has also deteriorated sharply. Once ranked in the top 3% of shortstops for fielding, Volpe’s defensive metrics have tanked to the 17th percentile, which includes 11 errors and a negative -2 run value. His .966 fielding percentage places him near the bottom of qualifying shortstops this year, undermining his value as an all-around player.
Volpe’s range and confidence on the field have noticeably diminished, compounding the challenges facing the Yankees during a critical stretch of the season when defensive consistency is paramount.
Rodriguez outlined a vision for the shortstop position that focuses on reliability and fundamentals over flashy power statistics. Trading away Volpe’s elevated strikeout rates and inconsistent defense in exchange for an uptick in batting average, stolen bases, and defensive soundness could be how both the player and the team salvage the season and preserve playoff hopes.
Yankees’ Urgency Increases Amid Trade Deadline Pressure
The pressure on Anthony Volpe to adapt and perform intensifies as the Yankees approach the trade deadline. The organization, under General Manager Brian Cashman, is facing growing frustration over the team’s underperformance and is showing signs of willingness to explore upgrades at multiple positions, including shortstop.
Cashman has publicly committed to being proactive this trade season, prioritizing reinforcements for the bullpen, starting rotation, and third base, but Volpe’s struggles may force the Yankees to add shortstop to that list soon if no improvement is visible.
Volpe’s current batting average of .214 and defensive shortcomings make his spot on the roster precarious, indicating that the Yankees may consider moving in a different direction if he fails to reverse course promptly.
Rising Prospect George Lombard Jr. Eagerly Watched as Possible Future
As speculation buzzes about Volpe’s future, the spotlight also shines on George Lombard Jr., a 20-year-old top prospect flourishing in High-A and Double-A leagues. He is producing respectable numbers with a slash line of .239/.382/.356 and is widely compared to Yankees legend Derek Jeter, fueling excitement about his eventual rise to the majors.
Although Lombard will not be debuting this season, the team is clear about not trading him, reflecting strong confidence in his potential to be the franchise’s shortstop of the future. This stance places implicit pressure on Volpe to accelerate his development or risk losing his starting role.
The Yankees face a delicate balancing act—waiting for Volpe’s breakthrough carries risks as the team vies to return to postseason contention immediately, but shifting too soon could disrupt developmental plans. Volpe’s future in pinstripes remains plausible but may no longer be tied exclusively to shortstop duties or even to New York.
Following A-Rod’s Blueprint: Adapt or Lose Your Spot
Alex Rodriguez’s frank assessment leaves little room for extended patience. His outlined expectations for Volpe emphasize consistency, contact, speed, and defensive excellence—skills that the Bronx Bombers see as essential to winning now and in October.
For the Yankees, the time to act is pressing, as prolonged underperformance at a critical position threatens playoff chances. Rodriguez’s trade proposal underscores the urgency: a young player with undeniable potential must either reach the necessary performance thresholds quickly or become expendable in favor of stability.
Volpe faces a critical juncture in his career; if he fails to embrace a role recalibration and elevate his all-around game, the Yankees may look elsewhere to secure their shortstop position before the postseason.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Anthony Volpe wear 11?
A. Volpe wanted to contact Arnold to ask his permission to wear the number and to thank him for his influence on experienced and new players. Volpe admitted that Arnold was important in leading fellow team members and establishing a positive environment for the group.