Poll: Will Anthony Volpe Remain Yankees’ Shortstop in 2026?

As the New York Yankees look ahead, the fate of shortstop Anthony Volpe remains a topic of significant interest. Volpe, who has experienced a rocky trajectory since his rookie season, is now questioned as the team’s solution at shortstop for 2026. Following a challenging year, fans and analysts are curious whether the Yankees will stick with Volpe or seek alternatives.

Yankees’ Recent Performance Overview

The Yankees concluded the 2025 season with a notable record of 94 wins. Despite not meeting the high expectations for a World Series run, several factors contributed to their winning season. Key additions to the roster included Max Fried and Cody Bellinger, alongside impressive performances from Aaron Judge and younger players like Ben Rice and Trent Grisham.

Anthony Volpe’s Struggles

Entering the 2025 season, Volpe was regarded as a promising player. Once a consensus top-15 prospect and a Gold Glove winner, his game took a downturn this year. His batting average plummeted to .212, with a poor on-base percentage of .272 and a slugging percentage of .391 over 153 games.

Defensive Decline

Volpe’s defense also suffered dramatically. After posting an impressive +14 Outs Above Average (OAA) the previous year, he dropped to -7 OAA this season. This severe decline raised concerns about his position, especially in a critical defensive role like shortstop.

Injury Impact

Volpe played most of the year with a partial labrum tear, which may have contributed to his performance issues. At the start of May, he had a considerably better slash line of .237/.328/.456, but this fell sharply after his shoulder injury, leading to a dismal .205/.255/.374 line for the remaining season.

Future Prospects for Shortstop

The Yankees face a tough decision regarding their shortstop situation moving into 2026. With the upcoming free-agent class not offering many viable upgrades, they may have limited options to replace Volpe. Bo Bichette is considered the standout candidate but comes with his own defensive concerns.

Internal Alternatives

• Jose Caballero: Had a promising stint, playing well defensively and offensively.
• George Lombard Jr.: A top-100 prospect who might be ready for a call-up, despite average performance in Double-A.

These internal candidates raise the possibility of a shared shortstop role or even a transition away from Volpe in 2026.

Fan Engagement and Polling

As the Yankees evaluate their options, the voice of the fans is crucial. Current opinions surround whether Volpe will retain his position, if a free agent should be brought in, or if an internal player will take over the role by the end of next season. Participation in polls allows fans to express their views on this pivotal decision for the Yankees’ future.