Yankees GM Brian Cashman on Anthony Volpe: 'I know he'll be part of the solution, rather than the problem'
The Yankees' Anthony Volpe strikes out during the third inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. Credit: AP
There is no shortage of reasons this season for the Yankees to question whether Anthony Volpe is more of a positive than a negative for the club.
The starting shortstop took a .217 batting average into Wednesday night’s game against the Mariners at the Stadium. He was in a 3-for-24 slump.
In the field, he has made 11 errors and is on pace for his highest season total.
And – of course – last week he lofted a baseball from foul territory after an inning ended that struck Aaron Judge in the head and bloodied his face near his right eye.
But GM Brian Cashman has not lost faith in the homegrown regular and gave him a vote of confidence before first pitch on Wednesday night.
“I (know) how the season currently is playing out,” Cashman said. “(There’s) a lot of season left to be played. I'm not counting him out. I know he's going to be part of the solution, rather than problem.”
Volpe was the Yankees’ first-round pick in the 2019 draft – 30th overall – and was a mix of good and bad in 2023 as a rookie. He hit 21 home runs and earned a Gold Glove Award but batted just .209.
His hitting ticked up to .243 but his power diminished to 12 homers last season, when the Yankees reached the World Series.
In the postseason Volpe slashed .286/.407/.408 with six RBIs in 14 games.
“One thing I do tell you I admire about Anthony Volpe is his strength and fortitude,” Cashman said. “He's the starting shortstop for the New York Yankees and helped us get to a World Series last year, and (performed) in the World Series last year. He does not lack confidence. “
Cashman acknowledged that Volpe has underperformed at the plate, but added, “First and foremost, it’s a defensive position and, second, we have a really potent offense that’s one of the top run-producers in the game despite the last six weeks . . . He certainly can come join the party.”
“I know he's had some struggles,” he added. “It doesn't stick to him. It’s turn the page and he's focused on (that) night's game. . . . I do have belief and optimism that that he will impact us in a really positive way on both sides of the ball.”
Roger Rubin returned to Newsday in 2018 to write about high schools, colleges and baseball following 20 years at the Daily News. A Baseball Hall of Fame voter since 2011, he has covered 13 MLB postseasons and 14 NCAA Final Fours.
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