The New York Yankees are at a crossroads with their young shortstop, Anthony Volpe, whose struggles have sparked a bold call for action from three-time Manager of the Year Joe Maddon. With the 24-year-old former top prospect grappling with a crisis of confidence both at the plate and in the field, Maddon has urged the Yankees to consider a drastic move: sending Volpe to the minor leagues for a much-needed reset.
“I’m a Volpe fan, I really am,” Maddon said during an appearance on MLB Network. “But I think there’s got to be some consideration about him possibly going back down, just like they did with Francisco Alvarez with the Mets. He’s going to be a very good player for years to come, but his confidence is at an all-time low. I’d look for a veteran shortstop who can catch the ball, do it temporarily, send him down, and let him get straightened out.”
“I think there’s got to be some consideration or thought or talking about [Anthony Volpe] possibly going back down.”
Joe Maddon weighs in on recent struggles from the Yankees’ shortstop and suggests acquiring a veteran shortstop for the short term. https://t.co/ddgXr0n6NS pic.twitter.com/1gyJdNrQfw
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Volpe’s 2023 campaign was a beacon of promise, as he became the only rookie in Yankees history to claim a Gold Glove Award. His defensive prowess was undeniable, boasting 14 Outs Above Average and a Fielding Run Value of 10, per Baseball Savant. Yet, 2025 has been a stark contrast. Volpe is tied for the league lead with 13 errors, costly miscues that have hurt the Bronx Bombers. His defensive metrics have plummeted to -4 Outs Above Average and a -2 Fielding Run Value, painting a grim picture of a player in need of recalibration.
Offensively, Volpe has never been a standout, carrying a career .669 OPS across 1,700 plate appearances. However, his recent performance has sunk to alarming depths. Since June 1, he’s slashing a dismal .182/.241/.377, far below even his modest standards. The combination of defensive lapses and offensive woes has fueled growing concerns about his immediate future in pinstripes.
Maddon’s suggestion draws inspiration from the New York Mets’ recent success with catcher Francisco Alvarez. The Mets sent their former top prospect to Triple-A Syracuse for a brief stint, a move that paid dividends. Upon his return, the 23-year-old delivered a clutch double and a two-run homer, sparking a three-game sweep over the Los Angeles Angels. Could a similar detour to the minors reignite Volpe’s spark?
The Yankees face a dilemma: they lack an obvious replacement at shortstop. A veteran stopgap could stabilize the position temporarily, but the organization’s faith in Volpe’s long-term potential remains unwavering. Sending him down risks a blow to his morale, yet keeping him in the majors amidst this slump could further erode his confidence.
As the Yankees chase postseason glory, the pressure is mounting to make a bold decision. Will they shake up their roster with a blockbuster move, giving Volpe the chance to rediscover his mojo in the minors? The clock is ticking, and the Bronx is buzzing with anticipation.