Anthony Volpe is, sooner or later, strolling right back into the New York Yankees starting lineup—and if recent memory serves, the offense might quietly brace for impact. Manager Aaron Boone has stuck by him with the kind of loyalty usually reserved for franchise legends… not guys with a glove that flirted with 19 errors and a bat that rarely made noise.
Boone’s stance hasn’t exactly wavered. Struggles, miscues, cold streaks—you name it, Volpe’s gotten the benefit of the doubt. At this point, it’s less “prove you belong” and more “take your time, we insist.”
That said, José Caballero doesn’t need to roll out a red carpet for him. No, he hasn’t flashed a 20+ homer season like Volpe did as a rookie—but that’s not really the assignment. Caballero’s path is simpler: hit around .230 or more, which he will, swipe bags, play clean, confident defense. Do that, and he’s already checking more boxes.
Because here’s the uncomfortable truth: power numbers aside, Caballero’s brand of baseball—getting on base, making things happen, not hurting you in the field—arguably brings more value right now. The Yankees don’t need flash; they need function. And Caballero fits that bill a lot more neatly.
If he keeps producing, the front office might have to ask a question they’ve been dodging: is Volpe still “developing,” or is this just who he is? Sure, the organization may lean on the injury excuse and give him another runway. But if he comes back and looks the same, patience might finally run out.
And if it does? Don’t be shocked if his name starts popping up in trade talks—maybe even something bold involving the Miami Marlins and Sandy Alcántara. At some point, upside stops being a promise and starts being a question.
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