Anthony Volpe Just Got Optioned and Aaron Boone's Explanation Says Everything About What's Actually Happening in The Bronx
The New York Yankees had a choice to make when Anthony Volpe finished his 20-day rehab assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday. Bring him back to the big leagues or send him back down. They picked door number two, and manager Aaron Boone didn't mince words about why.
"The fact is we're probably as deep as we've ever been, and we have real competition for real spots and real roles on the team that we haven't had at some moments in time, at some portions of seasons," Boone told the media. Translation: the Yankees are stacked right now, and Volpe isn't guaranteed his old job back.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiFrom Gold Glove Rookie to Losing Your Starting Spot
Look, Volpe had a legit rookie year in 2023. Gold Glove winner. Top 10 for Rookie of the Year. The kid could play shortstop. But then things went sideways. Last season he absolutely collapsed at the plate, hitting .212/.272/.391 with an 82 OPS+ and somehow leading the American League with 19 fielding errors. Yeah, 19. That's brutal for a guy who won a Gold Glove just two years earlier.
He started this season on the injured list after elbow surgery during the offseason. When he came back on the rehab assignment, the Yankees had to figure out if he was worth a roster spot.
Jose Caballero Changed the Math
Here's the problem for Volpe: Jose Caballero is absolutely raking. Caballero took the starting shortstop job on Opening Day, and he's been so good that Boone basically had to option Volpe. "Caballero is playing the heck out of the position and playing really well," Boone said. "That complicates it."
Understatement of the season. In 33 games, Caballero has posted 1.3 bWAR, is batting .259/.306/.405 with four homers and 12 RBIs, and leads the entire American League with 13 stolen bases. He's earned this. "He's been right in the middle of that, defensively and offensively," Boone said. "He's earned some opportunities there. It's really as simple as that."
The Yankees sent Volpe back down because they can afford to. That's what depth looks like in May.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.