Anthony Volpe, the New York Yankees’ promising shortstop, has experienced a noticeable drop in defensive performance during the 2025 season, sparking concern across the baseball community. Once a Gold Glove winner in 2023 with an impressive +15 Defensive Runs Saved, Volpe’s defensive metrics have plunged, now standing at only +2. His 12 errors this year tie for the most among all American League shortstops, highlighting a troubling regression in his defensive reliability.
The sharp decline is not limited to errors alone. Volpe’s Outs Above Average (OAA), which stood at a remarkable +14 in 2024—placing him in the 97th percentile—has nosedived to -2 this year. Similarly, his Fielding Run Value has dropped from +10 to -2, signaling a fundamental shift in his overall defensive contributions. These statistical declines are validated by visible mistakes on the field, underscoring that this slump goes beyond a brief rough patch.
Critical Errors in Recent Games Intensify Scrutiny
On July 21, in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Volpe committed his 12th defensive error of the season. The mistake came from a throwing error on a ground ball fielded from Leo Jiménez, which allowed Myles Straw to score and extended the Blue Jays’ lead during a pivotal four-run fifth inning. This error further amplified the spotlight on his ongoing struggles in the infield.
Despite mounting statistical evidence and crucial misplays, Yankees manager Aaron Boone defended Volpe publicly, choosing to understate the severity of the shortstop’s troubles. Boone described the issues as simply “a few extra errors” and suggested that this difference is what separates a Gold Glove-winning season from one without the award. Boone also insisted that Volpe remains “a top shortstop,” attributing the metrics’ downturn primarily to a handful of missed remarkable plays. Boone said,
“Yeah, I mean, we’re talking about a few extra errors,”
“That’s the separator of when he wins a gold glove and when he’s not.”
“Because he hasn’t made three or four plays. That crushes you a little bit.”
His unwavering support for Volpe, despite the mounting evidence of decline, has left many fans and analysts perplexed.
Offensive Struggles Compound Defensive Woes
Adding to the frustration is Volpe’s lackluster offensive production, which offers little reprieve from his defensive struggles. Over 98 games, he is hitting .216 with an OPS of .686, a level of performance that sits approximately 11 percent below the American League average. This offensive dip means that Volpe is not compensating for his defensive lapses, further emphasizing concerns about his overall contribution to the Yankees’ success this season.
Former Yankees star Alex Rodriguez voiced his harsh perspective on Volpe’s performance earlier this month, bluntly stating,
“You just cannot win a World Series”
with the kind of production Volpe is currently delivering. Similarly, veteran New York Post columnist Joel Sherman described Volpe’s current situation as a “death spiral” rather than a simple slump, highlighting the severity of his decline.
Fan Disapproval Mounts Against Boone’s Defense of Volpe
Aaron Boone’s public defense of Volpe has ignited significant outrage among Yankees fans, many of whom feel the manager is out of touch with the reality on the field. When Boone labeled Volpe a “top shortstop,” vocal fans immediately challenged that claim. One fan questioned, “Top shortstop in what world?” pointing to Volpe’s disappointing place on key rankings.
Comparisons to other elite shortstops magnify Volpe’s struggles. League leaders like Bobby Witt Jr. (4.6 WAR) and Francisco Lindor (3.4 WAR) stand far ahead, while Volpe’s Wins Above Replacement hovers at a modest 0.9. This stark gap makes Boone’s assessment seem disconnected from the data.
The suggestion that Volpe’s 12 errors amount to “a few extra” drew scorn and sarcasm from the fanbase. One fan remarked,
“Not like he has the most errors in the AL or anything.”
This retort highlights the reality that those 12 errors are indeed the highest among American League shortstops—not a minor issue.
Some fans believe Boone’s persistent praise of Volpe stems from personal attachment rather than objective analysis. A fan commented,
“Bro is literally in love with Volpe,”
citing Boone’s history of lavish praise for the young infielder. Boone previously labeled Volpe as
“the best defender in the league”
in August 2024 and even referred to him as “bleeping elite” during a media interaction, further fueling fan skepticism about the manager’s impartiality.
Fans Resort to Humor and Frustration Over Volpe’s Continued Playing Time
With Volpe enduring repeated high-profile defensive mistakes without repercussions such as benching, fans have turned to humor and biting criticism to express their discontent. One fan joked,
“Volpe must have blackmail on this man,”
alluding to Boone’s refusal to reduce Volpe’s playing time despite costly errors. Notable blunders this season include a slow, 62 mph throw against the Cubs on July 13 and a botched double-play ball that contributed to a loss against the Angels. These errors, combined with the absence of consequence, have only deepened fan frustrations.
The handling of Volpe’s defensive struggles is emblematic of broader dissatisfaction with Boone’s leadership. Many fans view this issue as the latest in a series of questionable decisions by the manager, fueling calls for his dismissal. One fan expressed this exasperation plainly,
“Idk how many more ways we can beg for this imbecile to be fired,”
reflecting widespread impatience with Boone’s inability to address the team’s struggles effectively.
Boone’s Tenure and Its Effect on Yankees’ Prospects
Aaron Boone has led the Yankees for eight seasons without securing a World Series championship, with his tenure often marked by second-guessing and fan unrest. Despite maintaining a solid regular season record, his in-game decisions and roster management have faced ongoing criticism. The defense of Anthony Volpe amid his evident defensive and offensive struggles serves to intensify the existing dissatisfaction among the Yankees faithful.
As the season progresses, the spotlight on both Boone’s managerial approach and Volpe’s development will continue to sharpen. The team’s ability to respond to this turmoil could influence their postseason aspirations and fan support heading forward.