The New York Yankees optioned shortstop Anthony Volpe to Triple-A following their loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, and top prospect George Lombard Jr. was called up to take his place.
So, what’s next for Volpe? Will the Yankees continue using him at shortstop? Or will they try changing his position down in the minor leagues?
General manager Brian Cashman was asked that question by Justin Shackil of the YES Network before New York’s Tuesday night matchup versus the Cardinals, and his answer was clear: yes.
Cashman told Shackil that the Yankees will absolutely be trying Volpe at other spots in the infield, and you have to figure that second base will be the target.
Jazz Chisholm is currently New York’s starter at the position, but he is slated to hit free agency this coming offseason, and the Yanks don’t seem likely to re-sign him.
That means there could be an opening at second base next season. That is, of course, unless the Yankees make signing in free agency (like Luis Arraez, for example) or acquire a second baseman via trade.
New York might also consider trying Volpe at third base, as the combination of Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario has not yielded great results at the hot corner this season.
But the idea of putting a rather light hitter like Volpe at third base seems rather unlikely.
Second base seems to be the most likely path for the former Gold Glover winner, who entered the big leagues with so much promise in 2023 but has gradually faded.
The 25-year-old missed a significant chunk of time to begin 2026 while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. In the 56 games he has played at the big-league level this season, Volpe has slashed .240/.325/.322 with one home run and 19 RBI.
Volpe’s improved walk rate is notable, but his power has plummeted, and he simply isn’t making enough contact to warrant a regular spot in the lineup.
Last year, the former first-round pick smashed 19 homers with 72 RBI, but managed a meager .663 OPS.
Volpe is a lifetime .224/.287/.373 hitter. We’ll see if there is a path to the majors for Volpe in the Bronx, and if it does, indeed, come at second base.
