The New York Yankees have confirmed that Anthony Volpe has been optioned back to the minors, in a major blow to the team’s former starting shortstop.
After days of speculation on whether the 25-year-old would be called up to the majors, the Yankees finally revealed their decision on Sunday afternoon.
In a statement shared, the team said: ‘Following today’s game, the Yankees returned INF Anthony Volpe from his rehab assignment, reinstated him from the 10-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.’
Volpe is currently on the road to recovery after undergoing an offseason shoulder surgery. In 2025, he hit .212 with 19 home runs, 72 RBI, and 150 strikeouts.
Despite earlier claims that Volpe would reclaim his starting spot, the Yankees have opted to stick with Jose Caballero, who has been a revelation at shortstop.
Manager Aaron Boone admitted that Caballero ‘playing the heck out of the position’ made the decision complicated, as the team currently holds the AL’s best record.
Caballero leads all shortstops with 7 Defensive Runs Saved, while also providing a spark on the bases with 12 steals this year.
‘You can’t ignore that he’s played so well defensively at shortstop and been a real spark for us offensively,’ Boone added on Sunday.
The move is a stunning departure for a franchise that backed Volpe through a rough rookie season and a sophomore slump where he was among MLB’s worst hitters.
Statistically, Volpe has struggled since his 2023 debut, posting the worst on-base percentage among 118 qualified players with at least 1,500 plate appearances.
The decision also has financial implications, as keeping Volpe in the minors for 20 days could push his free agency back a full year from 2028 to 2029.
More to follow…
