New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe is experiencing a rough season defensively, as he now leads Major League Baseball in fielding errors, tied with San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames at 13. Volpe’s most recent mistake came during the sixth inning of the Yankees’ latest game against the Toronto Blue Jays, fueling increasing criticism of his defensive performance.
The spotlight on Volpe’s fielding struggles has been intense, prompting fans and analysts to call for his removal from the starting lineup or even suggest he could be traded before the July 31 MLB deadline. Despite the backlash, Yankees manager Aaron Boone continues to defend Volpe, emphasizing that a few errors do not define the young shortstop’s overall ability.
Manager Aaron Boone Stands Behind Volpe Amid Criticism
Boone acknowledged the errors but urged patience with Volpe’s development.
“We’re talking about a few extra errors,”
Boone said.
“I get it, that’s the separator of when he wins a Gold Glove and when [he doesn’t]. He’s still a top shortstop, he hasn’t made a few plays that have generated a lot of noise.”
This defense highlights Boone’s confidence in Volpe’s long-term value, even as the player’s defensive lapses generate noise among the fanbase.
Offensive Struggles Add to Concerns About Volpe’s Role
Volpe’s issues are not limited to defense; offensively, his performance has also declined. His current batting line stands at .212/.284/.391, a noticeable drop from his 2024 season finish of .243/.293/.364. This combination of offensive and defensive challenges has added fuel to speculation that the Yankees might consider moving Volpe in a trade to strengthen other areas of their roster before the deadline.
Possible Trade Scenarios and Roster Adjustments
Though the Yankees primarily seek to improve third base, starting pitching, and bullpen support this season, some analysts believe they might explore acquiring a new shortstop if Volpe’s struggles continue. Matthew Schmidt, a Seattle Mariners writer for Sports Illustrated, suggested that Seattle could trade Otto Lopez, their current shortstop, to New York to address this need.
Beyond the Mariners, some speculate the Yankees could target multiple players from the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are known to be sellers this season. Potential acquisitions include third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, reliever David Bednar, and starting pitcher Mitch Keller. The Pirates might also offer utilityman and shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who is currently batting .274, to the Yankees as part of a package deal.
Future Implications for the Yankees’ Lineup and Strategy
While shortstop is not currently one of the Yankees’ highest priority needs, continued struggles by Volpe might push the team to expand their trade targets. If his defensive and offensive numbers do not improve, the Yankees could adjust their plans and attempt to address multiple needs at once prior to the trade deadline. Such moves would have a significant impact on the roster and could reshape the team’s chances for a strong postseason run.