Anthony Volpe, the New York Yankees prospect with just 22 games of Triple-A experience, was promoted to the everyday shortstop role in 2023. Volpe’s rookie year was filled with ups and downs, but still, he finished with a Golden Glove award. And the beginning of the sophomore season was even better.
However, Anthony Volpe hit rock bottom after all-star break and his recent offensive regression has been a growing pain, as labelled by New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. Meanwhile, despite visible concerns and shortcomings, Cashman rejected the idea of a potential minor league reset for Volpe.
Minor League Demotion Off The Table For Anthony Volpe
New York Yankees shortstop and highly rated rookie Anthony Volpe entered Tuesday with a .247 average, 11 home runs, 46 RBIs, .297 OBP, and a .383 slugging percentage. His strikeout rate soared to a whopping 27.8. While his defensive numbers have been decent, the offensive lapses have prompted the fans to demand a change. Analysts have been calling for a minor league reset for Volpe, which is not necessarily a demotion but a short pitstop. However, general manager Brian Cashman is not open to the idea. In a recent interview with the NY Post, Cashman said the front office has discussed Volpe’s demotion as they believe in his development at the major league level. “There are growing pains, obviously, but he’s still finding his way,” Cashman said of Volpe’s early opportunities.
Brian Cashman also added that Anthony Volpe has been their best shortstop since his debut, and hence, sending him down to minor league for a reset has never been a consideration. Moreover, the Yankees deem Volpe a part of the solution and not the problem. On the brighter side, Cashman revealed that the shortstop is working his tail off with the batting coach to make necessary adjustments. “I would acknowledge and restate that he is our shortstop, and we don’t feel we need to send him down to Triple-A to get a reset,” Cashman reacted firmly to the criticism. Overall, the decision not to demote Volpe reflects the Yankees’ belief in his abilities and their trust that he will eventually turn the corner and become a key contributor to the team. For now, the focus remains on providing him with the support and time he needs to find his footing at the highest level.
Yankees Manager Gets Heated On Anthony Volpe’s Criticism
Meanwhile, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone got into a heated argument with Talkin Yanks podcaster Jomboy over Anthony Volpe’s criticism. Jomboy suggested a few days of rest for Volpe to which Boone lost his cool and lashed out at the podcast host. He stated that Volpe hasn’t failed like the rest of the shortstops in the league and is phenomenal on defense.
“He’s the best shortstop in the league. Like, that’s enormous at that position,” Aaron Boone said. While Anthony Volpe is hitting below league average, he is still contributing with the glove. And when you add it all up, Volpe emerges as a winning player. Hence, the Yankees manager asked Jomboy to shut the narrative and go easy on the kid.
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