Is Anthony Volpe Going To Lose His Starting Job In 2026?
The Anthony Volpe experiment is an absolute disaster heading into his fourth season in the Major Leagues, and he could lose his starting job. Undergoing shoulder surgery this offseason, Volpe is expected to miss time, giving the New York Yankees the chance to look externally for other options at shortstop.
Will The Yankees End The Volpe Experiment?
Last season, the Yankees benched Anthony Volpe several times after acquiring Jose Caballero at the Trade Deadline. However, it appears that Volpe, once a top prospect, won’t face similar treatment as he enters the 2026 season. Brendan Kuty of The Athletic recently offered insightful commentary on the Yankees’ evolving shortstop situation.
“Brian Cashman seemed to hint that there’s a possibility he wouldn’t simply get his starting job back when he returns from shoulder surgery that will keep him out the first month-plus of the season.” “José Caballero, or whoever the Yankees wind up with starting at shortstop to begin the season, could keep the job.”
For the first time since being called up, the Yankees have a better internal option than Volpe. Over the years, no one has been good enough to take his spot, other than Caballero, who started a handful of games for New York last season and did a nice job. Unless Brian Cashman acquires another infielder this Winter, Caballero will have a clear path to start.
The Fanbase Is Fed Up With Volpe
The Yankees have long been hesitant to part ways with struggling players. DJ LeMahieu’s eventual release, following repeated injuries and declining performance, was a rare exception. Now, Anthony finds himself in a similar situation. As his play continues to deteriorate, frustrated fans have grown increasingly vocal, booing him relentlessly at nearly every game. This negative atmosphere has visibly affected his confidence and daily performance.
In Game 4 of the Divisional Series, Aaron Boone chose to pinch-hit Jasson Dominguez for Volpe, hoping to shield him from further embarrassment. The fans’ waning patience may have finally pushed Brian Cashman to reconsider Volpe’s future as the starting shortstop. Reports that the Yankees have inquired about Corey Seager only strengthen the case that a change at shortstop could be coming as soon as 2026.
Although Brian Cashman is known for performing his due diligence on every potential acquisition, his interest in Seager suggests a lack of faith in Volpe’s ability to rebound. In truth, he struggled even before his injury, and undergoing shoulder surgery is unlikely to reverse his fortunes. Whether the Yankees finally address the shortstop position, which is a weakness that has plagued them for years, remains to be seen.
