The New York Yankees enter a pivotal offseason with multiple roster choices ahead, including a decision on the future of Anthony Volpe after a truncated 2026 campaign that ended in an American League Division Series sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays.
The club finished the regular season at 93-68 before falling three games to none in the division series. Attention has quickly shifted to free agents such as Paul Goldschmidt, Trent Grisham and Jazz Chisholm Jr., whose pending departures could reshape the infield.
Volpe, 25, began 2026 on the injured list while recovering from a torn labrum. He logged significant time in the minors before rejoining the major league roster around midseason.
In 70 games and 220 at-bats, he batted .245 with two home runs, one triple, 12 doubles, 28 RBI and an OPS+ of 84. Power output declined from earlier seasons, yet his batting average rose and he showed improved plate discipline.
Across his three prior full major league seasons, Volpe averaged roughly 17 home runs and 23 stolen bases. He also delivered a memorable World Series grand slam for the Yankees in Game 4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024.
In a recent analysis for SNY.tv, writer Anthony McCarron argued that Volpe should remain with the organization at least into the start of the 2027 season.
“It’s worth keeping Volpe to see if he can compete for the second base job. In his three full major league seasons, he averaged 17 homers and 23 steals. He’s had some moments in the postseason, too. World Series grand slam, anyone? At worst, Volpe is a speedy utility player. MLB teams crave depth. Lombard, as impressive as he is, has only 47 games of experience in the majors, including five postseason starts. He’s 21. If he experiences some wobbles next year, it might be wise to have Volpe and José Caballero as options at short,” McCarron wrote.
With Chisholm expected to reach free agency, second base presents a clear opening where Volpe could compete for regular playing time without needing to start every day.
McCarron also suggested third base as a potential fit that might address questions surrounding Ryan McMahon, who has one year remaining on his contract.
At minimum, Volpe offers speed and positional flexibility that provides valuable depth on a major league roster. George Lombard Jr., who assumed the everyday shortstop role, is only 21 with limited big-league experience.
Volpe remains under team control through the 2029 season after earning $3.475 million in 2026. He is arbitration-eligible for 2027.
The New York native continues to polarize fans and observers because of uneven offensive production, even as his late-season work and postseason appearances created a case for another look.
The New York Yankees will weigh whether his improved average and versatility outweigh the drop in power as they construct the 2027 roster. Decisions on free agents will likely influence how much opportunity Volpe receives next year.
