The New York Yankees could make a surprising decision on star shortstop Anthony Volpe.
Volpe struggled defensively last season. His bat went cold in the second half of the season due to an injury. As he’s rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery, the Yankees will start Jose Caballero at shortstop. But Yankees’ insider Phillip Martinez of SNY believes New York could look to trade Volpe in a package for star shortstop CJ Abrams.
“In addition to Caballero, the Yankees have George Lombard Jr. lurking in the minors,” Martinez wrote. “The Yankees’ top prospect has shown this spring that his defense is major league ready, and if he can do some damage offensively in Triple-A, his timeline could be pushed up. There’s also the trade market to solve the team’s shortstop problem if Volpe proves he can’t be reliable as an everyday starter.
“A CJ Abrams deal with the Nationals could be possible. Abrams batted .257 with an OPS of .748 to go along with 19 home runs, 60 RBI and 31 stolen bases last season. While not a perfect player, Abrams would give the Yanks lineup a lift, especially at their left-hander-friendly stadium. Perhaps a deal for an established shortstop like Abrams or someone else at the deadline could spell the end of Volpe’s tenure.”
Abrams has been connected to the Yankees for quite some time. And if New York is going to acquire him, Volpe would be part of the deal.
Yet, for now, Volpe is going to rehab his shoulder and look to return in late April or May and try to make an impact.
Volpe Likely to Get Starting Shortstop Role Back
Although Volpe struggled last season, Martinez does expect him to reclaim his role as the team’s starting shortstop.
Jose Caballero will be the team’s starting shortstop to begin the year. Yet, Martinez expects Volpe to be the team’s starter once he returns from injury.
“Volpe is another starter who will begin the season on the IL, but this is a different situation from Cole and Rodon,” Martinez added. “Those two have their spots in the rotation ready for them when they return. The same can’t be said for Volpe. Sure, the Yanks will likely give Volpe back the starting shortstop job, barring insane production from Jose Caballero. But that leash won’t be as long as it was last season.
“Volpe regressed both offensively and defensively in 2025, and although the youngster played through a shoulder injury that likely affected his play on both sides of the ball, he’ll need to show something when he returns. With his shoulder fixed, Volpe will need to hit the ground running, or at least show that his Gold Glove-level defense has returned.”
Volpe is expected to begin a rehab assignment in April, with him likely returning in May.
Volpe Eager to Make Impact for Yankees
When New York opens its 2026 MLB season on March 25, Volpe will begin the year on the injured list.
Although Volpe is injured, he said he is getting healthier and is eager to make an impact this season.
“It’s been amazing to feel good,” Volpe said to Greg Joyce of the New York Post. “I feel like I’m as healthy as I’ve ever been. That’s what has been the hardest time mentally, because I feel good now. Whereas before, when you’re still working back and still recovering, it’s a little easier mentally because you know you still have work to do. But once you feel good, (you want to go).”
Volpe hit .212 with 19 home runs and 72 RBIs last season with the Yankees.
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