Yankees GM Brian Cashman Hints at a Shorter Leash for Anthony Volpe in 2026 - Finally
For the better part of three seasons, the Yankees have stood firmly behind Anthony Volpe, even as his performance at the plate has lagged behind expectations. Once hailed as the franchise’s next great shortstop, Volpe’s journey has been anything but smooth. And while Brian Cashman has spent years defending the 24-year-old - sometimes vocally, sometimes stubbornly - there’s a growing sense that the patience may finally be wearing thin.
That’s not to say the Yankees are ready to move on. But after a 2025 season that included a historically rough offensive stretch - the kind of slump that hadn’t been seen in over a century - Volpe was briefly benched.
Jose Caballero, acquired at the trade deadline, stepped in and made the most of his opportunity, slashing .266/.372/.456 and injecting some life into the bottom of the lineup. Even so, Volpe still saw the lion’s share of starts at shortstop down the stretch.
Now, with Volpe recovering from shoulder surgery and the Yankees front office convening at the Winter Meetings, the question on everyone’s mind is simple: Will 2026 finally bring real competition at shortstop?
Cashman’s comments didn’t exactly clear things up - in fact, they did the opposite. Speaking to reporters, the longtime GM offered a mix of clichés, ambiguity, and just enough subtext to suggest that the Yankees might be rethinking their automatic trust in Volpe.
“I have no idea where things can go,” Cashman said. “The game separates it all, the men from the boys, (and) dictates who should and who shouldn’t be playing over the course of time from the roster that the manager has.
People continue to earn their playing time or they don’t.
In some cases, if you don’t have alternatives, somebody stays in that lane continuing to play unless you import something else. But if it’s competition off the guys on the club, may the best man win and keep it.”
It’s a lot to unpack - part motivational speech, part GM-speak, part hedge. But if you read between the lines, there’s a shift in tone here.
For the first time in a while, Cashman didn’t offer a full-throated defense of Volpe. He didn’t guarantee him the starting job.
Instead, he left the door open for competition - and that’s a notable change.
What Does That Mean for 2026?
Let’s start with the short-term. Volpe is expected to miss some time early in the season as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
During that stretch, Caballero figures to get the bulk of the reps at shortstop, with Oswaldo Cabrera likely serving as the backup. There’s no indication that either player has a guaranteed role, but Caballero’s strong finish to 2025 gives him a leg up for now.
If Caballero struggles, the Yankees can pivot to Cabrera. If he thrives, though? That’s where things get interesting.
Cashman’s comments suggest that Volpe won’t automatically reclaim the starting job the moment he’s healthy. If Caballero is producing, he may keep the role - and Volpe would have to earn his way back into the lineup. That’s a significant departure from the past three years, when Volpe’s name was seemingly written in ink on the lineup card regardless of performance.
Of course, Caballero isn’t exactly a sure thing, either. His career OPS sits at .657 - not exactly the profile of a long-term answer at shortstop.
His strong second half in 2025 was encouraging, but it’s still a small sample. The Yankees may be intrigued by his on-base skills and defensive versatility, but they’re not betting the farm on him.
That brings us to the other part of Cashman’s quote - the “import something else” line. It’s vague, but it hints at the possibility that the Yankees could look outside the organization if their internal options falter.
The free-agent market is thin at shortstop this offseason, with Bo Bichette standing out as a name - though his glove has drawn plenty of criticism. A trade at the deadline might be more realistic if the position becomes a black hole again.
A Shift in Philosophy - Or Just Words?
For now, the Yankees aren’t making any bold proclamations. But Cashman’s comments mark a subtle shift. After years of unwavering support, the front office seems more open to the idea that Volpe might not be the guy - or at least, not guaranteed to be the guy.
That doesn’t mean they’re giving up on him. Volpe is still just 24, and his defense remains a plus.
But in New York, potential only gets you so far. Production matters - especially when the Yankees are trying to claw their way back into serious contention.
If 2026 is going to be different, it has to start with accountability. And for the first time in a long time, it sounds like Volpe might actually have to earn his spot.
That’s not a punishment - that’s baseball. And it might just be the push he needs.