Yankees GM Cashman Remains Confident in Volpe Amidst Slump, Eyes Caballero as Potential Option
Bronx, NY – Newโฃ York Yankeesโข general Manager Brian Cashman publicly reaffirmed hisโ faith in shortstop Anthony Volpe despite a โขchallenging season at theโ plate,โค evenโฃ as Jose Caballero emerges โขas a potentialโฃ alternative. Cashman’s comments come as Volpe โremains sidelined with a shoulder injury, receiving a โคcortisone shot on Tuesday and opening the door for Caballeroโข to see increased playing time.
Volpe’s current full-season numbers are comparable to his .228/.288/.373 slash line over 1290 plate appearances โin hisโ first two Major โขLeague seasons, indicating his offensive struggles aren’t a โขnew advancement for the 24-year-old. Heโข debuted as the Yankees’ Opening Day shortstop in 2023, generating significant expectations,โ though the team has downplayed comparisons to โDerek Jeter. The Yankees’ immediate placement ofโค Volpe in an everyday role contrastsโค withโ their handling of other recent top prospects.
“We believe in Anthony,” Cashman stated, echoing a sentiment he’s maintained throughout Volpe’s tenure. Critics, though, may โขargue that continued confidence in Volpe hinders the Yankees from exploring upgrades at the position.
Cashman โคbelieves Volpe’s difficulties are linked to his shoulder injury and doesn’t anticipate a major roster change atโ this time. Volpe is entering arbitration eligibility this offseason,and his remaining three โขyears of team control represent aโ valuable asset given the team’s high payrollโ and luxury tax concerns.Cashman hopes Volpe can develop into “a quality, above-average regular shortstop in the game.”
Though, the emergence of Jose caballero provides โa potential alternative. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays at the tradeโข deadline, Caballero has impressed with a .263/.358/.439 slash line in 68 plate appearances as a Yankee – his best offensive stretch in three MLB seasons. he’sโค demonstrated versatility, playing shortstop, bothโ corner outfield positions, second base, and โฃthird base.
With Volpe out, Caballero has stepped into a regular role at shortstop. Manager Aaron Boone indicated the โteam โขwill evaluate the situation whenโข Volpe returns, suggesting a potential timeshare is under consideration.
The long-term outlook for Volpe’sโ shoulder remains uncertain.โ Cashman statedโค furtherโ testing is planned, andโ while โคoffseason surgery hasn’t โฃbeen ruled out, it’s not currently recommended. should surgery become necessary, Volpe coudl face a significant recovery period, potentially impactingโค his availability for a portion of the 2026 season and further solidifying Caballero’s role.