When Alex Rodriguez starts talking shortstops, it’s worth listening—especially when the critique sounds like a trade offer wrapped in a scouting report. Anthony Volpe may have the pedigree, but A-Rod’s patience comes with a batting average cutoff. Forget launch angles and raw tools; Rodriguez wants contact and defense. And if that means moving on from the Bronx’s baby-faced infielder, well… he’s already done the math.
This season for Anthony Volpe has been a disaster until now, and there have been no flashes of hope yet. Amid this crisis, the Yankees have also hit a slump and are struggling to get out. But former Yankee Alex Rodriguez might have a plan. The plan will help Anthony Volpe get into form, which might help the Yankees break the slump.
In his recent podcast appearance on The Michael Kay Show, Alex Rodriguez talked about how he would take batting average over home runs, and that is when Volpe’s topic came up. Rodriguez pointed out, “I think Volpe is a nice player… You just cannot win a World Series with any player… It’s just not acceptable… I would trade Volpe’s home runs and RBIs, and I would trade him today, right now for a .280 batting average, 10-12 home runs, 65-75 RBIs, and give me 40 stolen bases and play lockdown defense.”
Anthony Volpe opened the season like a sparkplug, showing flashes of the player Yankees fans envisioned. Through his first 31 games, he hit .237 with a respectable .784 OPS and five homers. But the promise quickly crumbled. Over his last 24 games, he’s slashing .171 with a dismal .472 OPS. Once a rising anchor, Volpe now drags both lineup momentum and clubhouse optimism into the dirt with each at-bat.
Apr 16, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) throws out Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement (not pictured) at first base during the seventh inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
His offensive spiral hasn’t stayed in the batter’s box—it’s leaking into his defense like a slow spill. Once in the 97th percentile for fielding, Volpe’s now ranked in the 17th, with 11 errors and a -2 run value. His .966 fielding percentage ranks 23rd of 25 qualifying shortstops, far from championship caliber. Even his range has shrunk, both statistically and metaphorically, as confidence continues to erode.
Alex Rodriguez didn’t just call him out—he offered a blueprint: Consistency, contact, and elite fundamentals. Trading power stats for .280 contact, 40 steals, and lockdown defense might liberate both Volpe and the Yankees. A role reset, skill shift, or even temporary demotion could reignite his approach and salvage his ceiling. If New York wants October baseball, they may need to rescue their shortstop before he takes them down with him.
Rodriguez didn’t mince words, and neither should the Yankees—the math, like the slump, is brutal. If Volpe is the future, someone better remind him it’s already the present. Clinging to potential won’t win playoff games, and nostalgia won’t field ground balls. The Yankees can wait for a breakout or build one, with fewer strikeouts and fewer excuses.
Either Anthony Volpe adapts, or his position within the Yankees might disappear
The New York Yankees aren’t in the business of waiting forever, especially not in October. Anthony Volpe might still be a long-term bet, but short-term patience has an expiration date. As the Bronx starts boiling, so does the pressure on their young shortstop. Alex Rodriguez didn’t just point out the flaws—he handed the Yankees a roadmap. Now it’s up to Volpe to follow it… or get left behind.
Brian Cashman isn’t sugarcoating it—the Yankees need help, and they need it yesterday. With the trade deadline looming, the GM has pledged to “try to be active,” eyeing upgrades across the board. The bullpen, rotation, and third base are top priorities, but shortstop may soon join the list. As New York tries to steady the ship, patience for underperformance is wearing thin.
Anthony Volpe’s slump is no longer a cold streak—it’s becoming a roster problem with consequences. Batting just .214 with a shaky .966 fielding percentage, his regression is hard to ignore. Pitchers have clearly figured him out, and his glove no longer hides the flaws. If things don’t change, the Bronx could be eyeing a new name at short.
Enter George Lombard Jr., the 20-year-old top prospect, slashing .239/.382/.356 across High-A and Double-A. Scouts see him as the next Derek Jeter, poised for Yankee Stadium stardom. He won’t debut this season, but the organization won’t trade him either. That vote of confidence may say more about Volpe’s future than any deadline deal.
Volpe’s future may still wear pinstripes—but not necessarily at shortstop, or even in the Bronx. Cashman is making calls, scouts are drawing comparisons, and October doesn’t wait for growing pains. The Yankees can’t cling to hope while the standings slip—they’ve done that song and dance before. If Volpe wants to stay in the picture, he’ll need more than potential—he’ll need production. Because in New York, the only rebuild that matters is the one that wins immediately.
The post “I Would Trade Him”- A-Rod Issues Blunt Verdict on Anthony Volpe as Yankees Urged to Make Strong Call appeared first on EssentiallySports.
