In a city that lives and breathes baseball, it doesn’t take much for whispers to turn into front-page headlines. And lately, the whispers have been around one particular player, and it’s none other than the New York Yankees’ Anthony Volpe.
The “golden boy” who once held many Yankee fans’ hopes and dreams has slowly become an eyesore for them. Why? Because the errors are piling up, leaving fans frustrated. Monday night, moreover, didn’t do him any favor. During a tough loss to Toronto, a fifth-inning misplay by Volpe allowed a run to score and another big L in the pinstriped team’s record books.
So when a reporter brought up his shoulder injury from earlier this season, wondering if a lingering pain might explain Volpe’s struggles, the speculation hit a nerve. But it was not Volpe who snapped at the reporters; it was Aaron Boone.
Jun 12, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) watches play from the dugout against the Kansas City Royals in the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Referencing the reporter who broke the news that Volpe iced his shoulder, Boone said, “Well, she inquired about the shoulder incorrectly though. It’s not his right; it’s his left. That’s not affecting his fielding at all.” But this is what Aaron Boone does—he shields his players, sets the record straight, and ensures any narrative has been set. But the numbers are not helping Volpe’s case. Volpe still leads the American League in errors, and while the eye test does show some flashes of eliteness, the metrics have taken a dip.
It’s not the fans noticing anymore; it’s the entire league. Although, for Boone, he would disagree, because for him, Volpe’s number is still good. The Yanks slugger was even asked if there was a lack of effort on their part for their slump. And Boone got really defensive, and even angrily shunned Jomboy’s reporter when the lack of passion was put forth.
Now, to his credit, Volpe is not shying away from criticism. He has owned up to his mistakes and says he works hard to help things. But in New York, storms don’t pass easily. Only the pressure and spotlight are something the best can handle. Now it depends on whether Volpe can!
New York Yankees stand by Anthony Volpe—but for how long?
One thing to know about baseball is it’s a “what have you done for me lately” game. What one did a year back, no matter how great, doesn’t shine bright longer than a few weeks. Now, Volpe’s glove has been making the noise for headlines for all the wrong reasons. Not just with the Jays, Volpe has lost a routine grounder in his recent series against the Cubs.
That one mistake turned into an extra out and turned into a run. And in a tight division race, this slip stings. And these plays and errors are piling up, and then add in Volpe’s .214 batting average and a .671 OPS, and it will raise more than just a few eyebrows. The Yankees front office knows the number, as do the fans. But even then, Brian Cashman is out here supporting Volpe, saying, “He’s our shortstop.” But where does this leave things?
The New York Yankees aren’t shopping for a shortstop at the deadline. No splashy trades, no demotion, just tweaks. Volpe is working with infield coaches on his footwork and his throwing mechanics. But then, making mid-season fixes when under the bright lights of New York is not going to be an easy task. Now, if you ask, could a short stint in the minors help? Maybe it can. The Mets did it with Francisco Alvarez, did they not? But Boone and Cashman still seem to be holding on to Volpe.
The trouble is, though, there is no plan B. Oswald Peraza has not clicked, and Orbit Vivas is still raw, and Lombard Jr., the prospect, is still growing into his game. Now it seems like any decision could determine what the postseason will be like or how deep it will be.
What do you think about Volpe’s recent gameplay? Let us know whether you think it’s maybe the lack of effort.
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