Yankees’ Anthony Volpe Undergoes Surgery, Out for Spring Training
The New York Yankees will start the 2026 season without shortstop Anthony Volpe, who recently underwent surgery on his left shoulder. Following a procedure on Tuesday, Brian Cashman, the Yankees’ general manager, confirmed that Volpe will miss the beginning of spring training and will likely remain on the injured list until at least April. Cashman referred to May as a “worst-case scenario” for his return.
During a press conference at Yankee Stadium, both Cashman and manager Aaron Boone discussed Volpe’s injury, which he sustained while diving for a ball on May 3, 2025. The young player had been managing a partially torn labrum, a condition that became known to the public only later in the season. Cashman expressed concern over Volpe’s absence, stating, “Somebody will be playing shortstop [that is] not him on Opening Day, but that’s not a good thing for us either.”
Boone hinted at the possibility of a quicker recovery, noting that Volpe would be unable to hit for four months and would need six months to avoid diving on his injured shoulder. The injury, which was aggravated during the season, led to increased scrutiny of Volpe’s performance. Despite his challenges, Boone defended Volpe’s participation in 153 games, saying he did not foresee the need for surgery until the winter months.
Volpe’s performance in 2025 was marked by inconsistency; he finished the regular season with a batting average of .212 and an on-base percentage of .272. His struggles continued into the playoffs, where he recorded a mere .192 average with 16 strikeouts. Additionally, his defensive metrics showed regression, as he committed 19 errors, ranking fourth-most in the majors.
Cashman reflected on Volpe’s injury, suggesting it may have affected his performance more than previously believed. Initially, Volpe downplayed the injury, and physical tests seemed promising. However, the surgery revealed more significant damage than anticipated. “I believe in the player still,” Cashman affirmed, emphasizing that success in sports is rarely linear.
As the Yankees prepare for the 2026 season, they face questions about Volpe’s future and potential replacements at shortstop. José Caballero, who joined the team after the trade deadline, is positioned as the leading candidate to fill in. Additionally, Oswaldo Cabrera may also find a place on the Opening Day roster, depending on how Volpe’s recovery progresses.
The Yankees have historically seen Volpe as a key part of their lineup, having secured his position as the starting shortstop in 2023. Boone expressed optimism that Volpe can still develop into a “front-line shortstop,” although he acknowledged the need for improvement at the plate.
As the offseason unfolds, both Boone and Cashman remain committed to evaluating their roster and assessing whether Volpe can reclaim his spot upon recovery. While they continue to support him, their statements indicate a cautious approach moving forward. The challenges of the upcoming season may prompt the Yankees to explore other options as they navigate Volpe’s recovery and the potential impact on their overall performance.
