Yankees option Anthony Volpe to Triple-A as Jose Caballero continues to thrive at shortstop

The New York Yankees have optioned shortstop Anthony Volpe to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre following the conclusion of his rehab assignment from left shoulder surgery. In Volpe’s absence, Jose Caballero, acquired by the Yankees earlier this season, has emerged as the team’s primary shortstop, delivering solid defensive performances and contributing offensively. Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Caballero’s strong play as a key factor in the decision, noting that it complicated Volpe’s return to the major league roster. Caballero has started 34 games at shortstop this season, posting a .259 batting average with four home runs and 12 RBIs, while maintaining a .711 OPS. His reliable glove and timely hitting have helped stabilize one of the Yankees’ most important defensive positions. Meanwhile, Volpe’s rehab stint in the minors saw him hit .250 over 13 games, mostly with the Double-A Somerset Patriots. Volpe underwent shoulder surgery in October after the Yankees’ postseason exit, an injury that had affected his performance throughout the previous season. Volpe’s 2025 campaign was marked by inconsistency both offensively and defensively. He finished the year with a .212 batting average, 19 home runs, and a career-high 72 RBIs but struggled with 19 errors at shortstop, ranking third-most among players at the position. Despite these challenges, Volpe remains a highly regarded prospect, having been the Yankees’ first-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and showing early promise in the minors. The Yankees’ decision to keep Caballero as the starting shortstop underscores their commitment to fielding a dependable defense while allowing Volpe additional time to fully recover and refine his game in Triple-A. This move could have significant implications for the team’s infield stability and offensive production as they continue their pursuit of postseason success.