The New York Yankees are facing serious defensive difficulties this season, with shortstop Anthony Volpe at the center of mounting criticism due to his ongoing defensive struggles. These issues became especially apparent during their recent series against the Toronto Blue Jays, where Volpe’s errors contributed to multiple runs and key defeats. The Yankees, still haunted by defensive lapses that arguably cost them the World Series last year, are now revisiting concerns about their infield reliability as Volpe’s confidence seems to be faltering.
In the series against Toronto, Volpe’s throwing and fielding missteps, particularly in the fifth inning of one game, helped trigger a strong rally for the Blue Jays, eventually leading to a 4-1 loss for the Yankees. Another critical moment involved Volpe making a risky throw to first base on a ground ball with the game tied, but his throw arrived late, allowing runners to reach base and leading to a go-ahead hit by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. These errors have intensified the scrutiny on Volpe, who now leads all American League shortstops with 13 errors this season.
Former Manager Joe Maddon Calls for Volpe’s Temporary Demotion
Joe Maddon, a respected MLB analyst and former manager, spoke candidly about Volpe’s struggles during a Thursday appearance on MLB Now. While affirming his support for Volpe’s potential, Maddon suggested that a temporary demotion might be the best course of action to help the young player regain his form.
“Look, I’m a Volpe fan. I really am,” Maddon said on MLB Now. “But I think there’s got to be some consideration or discussion about possibly sending him back down, just like they did with Alvarez on the Mets. He’s going to be a very good player for years to come. But in the meantime, his confidence—for me—is at an all-time low. I’d look for a veteran shortstop. Someone who can catch the ball, really. I’d just do that temporarily.”
Maddon emphasized the need for Volpe to reset mentally and focus on fundamentals away from the major league spotlight. When the host questioned this idea, Maddon remained firm.
“From what I’m seeing—yeah,” Maddon said. “I’ve seen him make a lot of mistakes he shouldn’t be making. I think, just to clean it up, the guy looks like he needs a reset—mentally as much as anything. Slow the game down. Get your fundamentals back together. Breathe again. In the meantime, just get somebody to catch the ball. Volpe can then come back and be a utility player. I think they’d be better off for it.”
Drawing from his own experience with the Los Angeles Angels, Maddon noted that a temporary step back to the minors does not harm a player’s self-esteem but can be essential to regaining confidence and skills.
Yankees Leadership Responds to Growing Criticism
Despite the critiques from analysts like Maddon, the Yankees’ management has shown support for Volpe. Manager Aaron Boone defended his players‘ post-game responses to media scrutiny, pushing back against what he sees as overreactions.
“Stop with the reaction of how a guy answers a frickin’ question. Serious,” Boone said. “We gotta win. Okay?”
Additionally, former Yankees coach Sean Casey has backed Volpe, emphasizing the young shortstop’s offensive capabilities while dismissing rumors of trades or immediate removal from the lineup. Casey’s support highlights the team’s investment in Volpe’s long-term development despite his current difficulties.
Impact of Volpe’s Defensive Struggles on Yankees’ Season
The defensive struggles of Anthony Volpe are posing significant challenges to the Yankees, especially as he ranks poorly in advanced defensive metrics such as Defensive Runs Saved, Outs Above Average, and Deserved Runs Prevented. According to Baseball Savant, his overall fielding run value sits in just the 29th percentile, underscoring how his defense is costing the team valuable runs and momentum during critical games.
With errors continuing to disrupt game flow and allow opponents easy scoring opportunities, the Yankees face mounting pressure to find short-term solutions. Whether turning to a more experienced shortstop temporarily or adjusting Volpe’s role on the roster, the team must address these defensive woes to stay competitive in a tough American League East division.
As the season progresses, how the Yankees handle Anthony Volpe’s defensive struggles will be closely watched. The team’s decisions could have lasting effects on Volpe’s development and the overall infield stability, influencing their push toward postseason success.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Anthony Volpe wear 11?
A. Volpe wanted to contact Arnold to get his permission to wear the number and to express gratitude for Arnold’s positive impact on all players.
Volpe recognized that Arnold was essential in leading teammates and establishing a good atmosphere within the organization.