Things are getting uncomfortable in the Bronx—and fast. The New York Yankees have dropped five straight, the offense is sputtering, and while Aaron Judge continues to carry the lineup on his back, the cracks are widening elsewhere.
One of the most glaring? Shortstop Anthony Volpe, who’s caught in the middle of a prolonged slump and a storm of mounting pressure.
Volpe’s Struggles Deepen
Volpe went 0-for-3 in Friday night’s 6-5 loss to the Mets, bringing his average down to .222 with a .696 OPS. These numbers closely mirror his career stats since becoming an everyday player in 2023. But lately, it’s been worse. He’s recorded only eight hits in his last 66 at-bats.
Friday’s outing included an inning-ending double play with runners on in the sixth, and that was it—Aaron Boone decided to pull Volpe for Trent Grisham in the ninth. For a 24-year-old everyday shortstop, that was a message.
Still, Volpe didn’t shy away from reporters after the game. “The competitor in you wants to be out there,” Volpe said when asked about being benched in a tight spot. “But those things aren’t in my control. What is is just putting in the work and earning those at-bats.”
You’ve got to respect the honesty. He’s not hiding from it. He admitted he’s “grinding” at the plate and called “timing” his biggest issue right now. It’s clear the confidence has taken a hit, and the swing decisions aren’t coming easily.
Yankees Manager Loyalty vs. Reality
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has remained publicly supportive of Volpe, continuing to praise his defensive consistency and work ethic. But the leash may be shortening, especially as the team’s losing streak grows and the offense continues to stall outside of Judge and Juan Soto.
The Yankees are no longer running away with the AL East. The division has tightened, and with the All-Star break just around the corner, the front office may need to consider a shake-up if this slide continues.
That doesn’t mean sending Volpe down—but it could mean giving him a few days off, bumping him down in the order, or even bringing in an insurance option before the deadline.
What Happens Next?
Volpe’s value to the New York Yankees goes beyond the box score. He’s a homegrown player, a potential long-term solution at shortstop, and someone who has proven himself on the defensive side. But right now, the bat isn’t there. On a team with championship expectations, performance matters.
With the trade deadline looming and the Yankees’ margin for error shrinking, the question isn’t whether the organization still believes in Volpe—it’s whether they can afford to ride out this slump much longer.
