Anthony Volpe has a chance to claim the Yankees second-base job
Story by
Anthony Volpe has a chance to claim the Yankees second-base job
Oct 7, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Anthony Volpe (11) reacts as he rounds the bases after hitting a game-tying two run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning of game three of the ALDS during the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. After review the umpires changed the call to spectator interference and Volpe was awarded an RBI double. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Alexander Wilson·Empire Sports Media
·
2 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
TheYankeescan save money at second base this winter. That doesn't mean they should hand Anthony Volpe the job without a real competition.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is a free agent, leaving New York to decide whether Volpe's late-season return was enough to build around. The case for him is stronger than it looked in August, but it still rests on a short stretch.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
What Volpe showed the Yankees
After a second demotion to Triple-A,Volpereturned in September. Including the postseason, he hit .286 in 56 at-bats from September 10 onward, with five stolen bases, according toBryan Hoch's October report. He made 19 Triple-A starts at second before that return.
Aaron Judge defended his teammate after the division series, while Aaron Boone praised Volpe's at-bats. Those endorsements matter; neither settles how consistently he will hit over six months.
Sep 29, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Anthony Volpe (11) lays down a sacrifice bunt against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning of game one of the Wildcard round of the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
I'd give Volpe a genuine chance to win the position and keep a credible alternative in camp. His defense and ability to play shortstop create useful coverage behind George Lombard Jr. TheYankeesalso need to be honest about whether the bat can support an everyday role.
New York could re-sign Chisholm, explore another free agent or use Jose Caballero more often. Each choice has a different financial and defensive cost, and the club may prefer Caballero's versatility across several positions.
Volpe's September deserves weight, not a blank check. Fifty-six at-bats across the regular season and playoffs cannot erase the earlier struggles that led to his demotions.
