Could the New York Yankees be playing a clever game with Anthony Volpe's career timeline? The organization seems to have granted Volpe a three-year period to prove himself, but as 2026 approaches, there are whispers of strategies that could extend his tenure in the Bronx. This speculation was heightened after Volpe faced criticism from fans, particularly during the ALDS when he was met with boos at Yankee Stadium. Some insiders suggest that the team might leverage his recent injury as a convenient reason to manipulate his service time, keeping him under their control for a longer duration.
According to Joel Sherman from the New York Post, this scenario isn't far-fetched. He notes that the Yankees could potentially retain Volpe's rights until 2029. "A player continues to accrue service time while on the major league injured list. But if Caballero is performing well, could the Yankees actually send Volpe to the minors upon his activation from the injured list?" Sherman poses. If Volpe were to spend even as little as 20 days in the minors, this would push back his free agency to after the 2029 season, which is crucial not only for his future earnings but also for his potential trade value. Teams often seek players with more years of control, making this a significant consideration for the Yankees moving forward.
As it stands, unless the Yankees secure a notable shortstop through trade or free agency, the position currently belongs to Jose Caballero, who has already had a taste of the role. The Yankees had previously shown their willingness to allow Caballero some playtime towards the end of last season. Ultimately, the job returned to Volpe in September, yet this shift indicated a growing hesitation regarding their once-coveted prospect.
Volpe struggled offensively, finishing the season with a disappointing wRC+ of 83, and his defensive skills seemed to falter as well. Historically recognized for his defensive prowess, his performance took a downturn in 2025, where he dropped from an impressive 13 Outs Above Average at shortstop in 2024 to a concerning -6 in 2025.
Despite the challenges of the past season, manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic about Volpe’s potential. After witnessing Volpe's struggles, Boone still expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, "This game is filled with talented people, where it's not always linear. It's said a lot, but it's very true. People’s journeys and tracks to become finished products are different a lot of times. You want your highly touted guys or guys talked about or high draft picks that get to the big leagues and bloom—it just takes off, and they’re all stars, and they run with it."
With so much at stake for both Volpe and the Yankees, the upcoming season promises to be pivotal. Will the organization choose to reshape Volpe’s trajectory, or will they let his struggles define his future? It’s a critical juncture not just for Volpe, but for the entire Yankees franchise. What do you think—should the Yankees manipulate his service time for strategic reasons, or is it time to let Volpe sink or swim? Share your thoughts in the comments!
