Just days after the Yankees’ 2025 postseason run ended in disappointment with an ALDS loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, shortstop Anthony Volpe underwent surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his shoulder - a move that adds yet another layer of uncertainty to New York’s infield plans heading into 2026.
Volpe, who entered the season as the Yankees’ shortstop of the future, struggled on both sides of the ball this year. His offensive inconsistencies and defensive lapses raised questions about whether he’s ready to anchor the position long-term. With his recovery now in the spotlight and no guarantee he’ll be ready for Opening Day, the Yankees are clearly bracing for all scenarios.
Enter Jose Caballero, who appears poised to take over the starting shortstop role - at least to begin the season. Caballero brings a reliable glove and a steady presence, and while he may not offer the upside Volpe was once projected to deliver, he represents a more stable option in the short term.
But the Yankees aren’t stopping there. They’ve added another layer of depth by signing veteran infielder Zack Short to a minor league deal on December 12. It’s a low-risk move, but one that makes sense given the current uncertainty surrounding Volpe and the need for infield insurance.
Short, 30, is no stranger to the big leagues. A former 17th-round pick by the Cubs back in 2016, he’s carved out a journeyman career that’s seen him suit up for five different teams since his MLB debut in 2021.
His most extended run came with the Tigers in 2023, when he appeared in 110 games and posted a .204/.292/.339 slash line with seven home runs across 253 plate appearances. Not eye-popping numbers, but enough to keep him in the mix as a utility infielder with defensive flexibility.
This past season, Short spent the bulk of his time with the Astros’ Triple-A affiliate in Sugar Land, though he did make 22 appearances at the big-league level. He started 15 games at shortstop for Houston, showing he can still handle the position when called upon.
At 5-foot-10 and right-handed at the plate, Short doesn’t bring major thump to the lineup, but that’s not what the Yankees are asking of him. If he doesn’t break camp with the big-league club, he’ll report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he’ll serve as a dependable depth piece - the kind of player you hope you don’t need, but are glad to have when injuries hit.
With Volpe’s timeline still uncertain and Caballero likely to shoulder the early-season load, the Yankees are quietly building out their infield safety net. Zack Short may not be a headline-grabbing addition, but he’s the type of savvy depth move that can pay dividends over the course of a long season - especially for a team that knows just how quickly plans can change.