Yankees‘ Shortstop Situation Shifts as Volpe Struggles, caballero Impresses
Bronx, NY – A significant shift is occurring in the New York Yankees’ infield as Anthony Volpe, once projected as the team’s long-term solution at shortstop, experiences a defensive downturn while recent acquisition Jose Caballero thrives. The Yankees traded for Caballero from the Tampa Bay Rays at the trade deadline,adn he’s quickly making an impact.
Volpe arrived in the 2024 season with high expectations after demonstrating promising defensive capabilities in his first two years. In 2022 and 2023, he ranked highly in defensive metrics, posting strong numbers in combined Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) among shortstops. Statcast’s Outs Above Average had him tied for seventh in the league. Despite some offensive limitations, his power and defensive prowess positioned him as a valuable all-around player.The Yankees reportedly viewed his trajectory as similar to Dansby Swanson, who ultimately secured a $177 million free agent contract after establishing himself as an everyday shortstop on a World Series contender.
However, Volpe’s defensive performance has declined sharply this season. DRS now rates him as roughly average at the position, while Statcast shows him five runs below par, placing him tied for fourth-worst among shortstops.He has committed 17 errors,matching his career high with over a month remaining in the season. Only Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (19 errors) has been charged with more errors this year.
In contrast, Caballero has enjoyed a strong start to his Yankees career, hitting .286 with a favorable walk-to-strikeout ratio in 15 games. He’s also been a significant threat on the basepaths, stealing six bases in seven attempts, bringing his MLB-leading total to 40 between the Rays and the Yankees. He previously led the American League with 44 stolen bases in 2023, though he was also caught stealing a league-leading 16 times. While caballero is a plus runner and versatile defender, his career batting line of .227/.313/.337 in over 1000 plate appearances suggests he’s unlikely to maintain his current offensive output over a larger sample size.
Despite Caballero’s recent success, the yankees still recognize Volpe’s potential. the 24-year-old Volpe was considered the team’s future at shortstop, while Caballero, nearing 29, is established as a valuable utility player. The Yankees can still find opportunities to incorporate Caballero into the lineup alongside Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base and Ryan McMahon at third base.
The team is currently managing veteran outfielder Giancarlo Stanton’s playing time in right field while Aaron Judge recovers and regains full throwing strength. Caballero is also expected to see time in the outfield for defensive purposes, notably late in games.
Context & Background:
The Yankees’ search for a consistent shortstop has been ongoing since the departure of Didi Gregorius following the 2019 season. They attempted to address the position with free agent signings like DJ LeMahieu (who primarily played other positions) and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, but neither established themselves as a long-term solution. Volpe, a first-round pick in the 2019 MLB draft, represented a homegrown answer to the problem.
The acquisition of Jose Caballero reflects the Yankees’ willingness to explore all options to improve their roster, particularly considering their struggles to contend in the American League East. The Rays, known for their strong player advancement and strategic trades, saw Caballero as a valuable asset they could leverage for future gains.