Anthony Volpe’s defensive struggles have become increasingly evident during the 2025 season, raising concerns over the New York Yankees’ shortstop position. Once praised for his outstanding range, Volpe now leads the American League in errors, prompting questions about his defensive reliability and the long-term plan for the team’s infield.
Statistical Decline Highlights Defensive Issues
Volpe’s defensive performance has clearly worsened this season. As of July 22, he has committed 12 errors in 99 games, the highest total among American League shortstops. His fielding percentage has fallen to .964 from .972 the previous year, signaling increased mistakes. Despite maintaining a strong range factor of 3.44, his throwing accuracy and decision-making on the field have faltered. Advanced metrics reveal a drop in defensive runs saved and defensive Wins Above Replacement (dWAR), underscoring a notable regression compared to his peak in 2023. Scouts have observed diminished arm precision and weakened momentum during throws, which point to issues with his footwork and coordination. These defensive shortcomings result in more baserunners allowed and extended innings, heightening pressure in New York’s demanding environment.
Injuries and Pressure Behind Volpe’s Defensive Decline
The root causes of Volpe’s struggles seem tied to a combination of physical setbacks and mental factors. He sustained a left shoulder injury on May 3 and suffered an impact to his elbow on June 6, both of which he played through. These injuries may have subtly disrupted his throwing mechanics. Volpe has expressed frustration over his errors, attributing some misplays to brief lapses in concentration during games. Manager Aaron Boone has consistently defended him, describing the mistakes as isolated incidents and affirming Volpe’s status as an elite shortstop. However, critics argue that this support masks a deeper problem, with some analysts and former Yankees star Alex Rodriguez questioning if Volpe’s defensive skills can sustain a championship-level team. Critics note that Volpe’s errors significantly exceed the typical rates for shortstops in the league, fueling ongoing debates about his defensive reliability.
Consequences of Defensive Struggles on Field Performance
The repercussions of Volpe’s defensive issues have been visible in recent games. During a series against the Chicago Cubs, he misplayed a routine ground ball and made a careless throw that allowed the inning to continue, ultimately leading to an additional run. His struggles coincide with offensive challenges, as evidenced by a batting average of .214 and an OPS of .671. Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has reiterated confidence in Volpe as the team’s regular shortstop, highlighting his playoff contributions in 2024 and linking the current slump to his ongoing shoulder and elbow problems. Cashman admitted that
“the defense hasn’t played out this year as much,”
recognizing the impact of Volpe’s physical issues. With the July 31 trade deadline approaching, the Yankees are reportedly unlikely to pursue a new shortstop, instead prioritizing bullpen and bench enhancements, signaling faith that Volpe will recover without major positional changes.
Potential Paths to Defensive Improvement
Coaching and repetition are seen as key to addressing Volpe’s defensive setbacks. He has discussed working intensively with infield instructors to correct footwork and throwing rhythm. While increased practice during the season could aid recovery, there is risk involved, as mistakes continue in live games and regular play limits opportunities for extensive retraining. Another option considered is a temporary demotion to the minors for refinement, a strategy recently employed by the New York Mets with Francisco Alvarez. Reports indicate the Yankees have contemplated this for Volpe but have yet to act, as Boone and Cashman emphasize his value and past performance. Depth issues complicate matters further; Oswald Peraza and Orbit Vivas provide competent defense but lack offensive consistency, while prospect George Lombard Jr. remains unproven at the AA level.
Persistent Concerns or Recoverable Dip?
The future of Volpe’s defense remains uncertain. Some indicators offer cautious hope: his underlying offensive measures, such as hard-hit ball rates and weighted on-base average (wOBA), remain steady, and his range on the field is still regarded as outstanding. Nonetheless, defensive success depends heavily on mental confidence. Hesitation born from diminished assurance can cause repeated errors, especially in high-pressure moments. Should Volpe regain steadiness, this difficult stretch might be viewed as a brief hurdle. Conversely, ongoing defensive lapses could place the Yankees in a familiar position of shortstop instability, complicating their pursuit of postseason success.
Defensive Challenges Affect Team Prospects and Fan Expectations
Volpe’s defensive struggles carry weighty implications for the Yankees’ tightly contested American League East campaign. Errors that extend innings and provide opponents with extra baserunners can shift close games against major rivals. Additionally, the fan base’s patience is tested as the Yankees aim to remain perennial contenders for the World Series, where margins for error are minimal and consistent defense is critical to championship hopes.
The Urgency to Define the Shortstop Role
Anthony Volpe’s difficulties on defense have come to define his 2025 season narrative. Injuries and mechanical issues have disrupted the promising form he showed in 2023, leaving the polished shortstop struggling with reliability. While the organization continues to support him, visible improvements are necessary to restore confidence. The coming weeks will be crucial for Volpe’s development and for the Yankees’ plans, as deliberate adjustments or decisive changes may determine the team’s future defensive stability and postseason potential.