Anthony Volpe spent much of the 2025 season playing through a partially torn left labrum, and the Yankees shortstop addressed the problem in the form of a surgical procedure yesterday, according to Joel Sherman and Greg Joyce of the New York Post. The exact timeline for Volpe’s recovery isn’t yet clear, but if everything goes normally, a source tells Sherman/Joyce that Volpe would be ready for the start of the 2026 season.
The injury to Volpe’s non-throwing shoulder occurred in early May, when Volpe said he heard “a pop” in his shoulder after diving to try and snag a grounder. What seemed like a minor issue at the time ended up being a lingering source of discomfort throughout the season, and Volpe received two cortisone shots (one at the All-Star break, one in September) to try and manage the pain. The Yankees never placed Volpe on the injured list, but he didn’t play for the week following his second shot in September.
It is impossible to think that the injury didn’t contribute to Volpe’s tough season. He hit .212/.272/.391 with 19 home runs over 596 plate appearances, resulting in just an 83 wRC+. While these numbers weren’t far off what Volpe produced when healthy in 2023-24, it is worth noting that April (prior to the shoulder issue) was far and away Volpe’s best offensive month of 2025. The bigger impact may have come defensively, as Volpe dropped to -7 Outs Above Average and +2 Defensive Runs Saved — middling metrics for a shortstop who was a Gold Glove winner in 2023 and a finalist for the award again in 2024.
Volpe’s struggles made him a particular target for fan criticism in the Bronx, and something of an avatar for the fanbase’s frustrations towards GM Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone. There has yet to be any sign that Volpe’s starting job might be in danger, though Jose Caballero provided a big spark to the lineup after being acquired at the trade deadline, and getting a good dose of time at shortstop while Volpe was sidelined in September.
More will be known about Volpe’s recovery process in the coming weeks, but if he has any kind of setback, the Yankees could be encouraged to pursue at least a depth option at shortstop this winter if Caballero isn’t entrusted with the starting job. There will certainly be more speculation about whether or not the Yankees could land a bigger-name shortstop in a larger shake-up for the position, but it doesn’t feel like the Yankees would be inclined to move on entirely from Volpe, due to his former top-prospect status and the team’s three remaining years of control over his services. Volpe is arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter, and projected to earn $3.9MM in 2026.
What about the Captain? Don’t wait until it gets worse. I still say unload Stanton and DH Judge. Go trade for Kwan. Trade Dominez and Jones. Yankees desperately need a legitimate lead-off hitter for over a decade.
Stanton is going no where. Get it out of your head.
Stanton is, sadly, untradeable. The Yankees are stuck with two more guaranteed seasons, plus an option for 2028. So, he’ll continue to gobble up close to $30 million of payroll.
get Kwan anyway
Miami Marlins will pay a substantial part of his payroll for the next three seasons. It is doubtful that Stanton would waive his no trade for anyone other than a competitive California team.
Kwan was a league average hitter this year. You sure you want to give up a lot for him?
@kevnames42
And he barely walked, too.
His legs don’t work?
No one is taking Stanton, that contract or his injuries. Stanton has no ability to run and hasn’t played a full season in 4 years.
Wear your mill stone proudly Yankee fans. This along with the other dead wood is what is killing this team.
Dogs call people out individually. Most of us not only understand he isn’t going anywhere but also understand he usually comes up big in the playoffs and we’re ok with him. Of the Yankees problems, Stanton is a very small one.
Stanton isn’t worth it for that contract.
“This along with the other dead wood is what is killing this team.”
This is a very strange comment, you must be a Rays fan.
Anyway, imagine how good the Yankees would be if they didn’t have this deadwood. I guess they would have won a 120 games than a mere 94. If this is your premise, then as a Yankee fan, I agree. 94 wins is pathetic.
Dogs, Stanton was actually productive this year once he got off the IL. He’s not a zero value, complete albatross but his lack of defensive value and salary do make him a challenge for roster construction and do make him very difficult to potentially deal.
Why would you make judge a full time DH? The Yankees already have too many DH-types. You’d be putting yourself in the same situation you are right now with Stanton by making Judge a DH only. They need versatility and guys that put up quality at bats rather than feast or famine type by striking out or popping up in key situations
If Judge’s elbow isn’t right, why wouldn’t the Yankees try to get it fixed? Or , like Volpe, does the GM FOR LIFE think he can sweep the truth under the rug and magically have the problem go away?
Right now, the Yankees have a rightfielder who can’t throw.
@cty
If he needs surgery, then he’ll have it. If he doesn’t, then he should be healed by spring training. What’s the difficulty here?
Masahiro Tanaka had to change his pitching style from power to finesse in order to manage his elbow and avoid the knife. Judge played 1B in high school. Consider rotating him with Ben Rice at 1B. Judge would play RF when there is a lefty starter.. Rice would continue backing up at Catcher. The Philies have had success moving Brice Harper to 1B after he messed up his elbow. Putting Judge at 1B gets more playing time in for Dominguez or Spencer Jones (if he makes the team).
Good luck “unloading” stanton with a full no trade clause
Why not just sign Arraez?
Driving home this evening,
Could have sworn we had it all worked out.
Bryan, is that you?
The Adam’s Family
They’re creepy and they’re crawly
Stanton, Dominguez, and Rice for Tatis, Cronenworth, and a low level prospect.
Pads would be giving up about 6 WAR, for 4.5 from the Yanks coming over, but would fill their LF, DH (until Stanton gets hurt), and 1b/C spots.
The Yanks would get a gold glove leadoff man, and a solid bat (2 time all star) who can start anywhere on the IF, who are both controllable for years. Then, they could go after Schwarber or Alonso, and have a top 4 of Tatis, Judge, Schwarber/Alonso, Jazz.
Maybe you can get Cronenworth for the Martian. Tatis is going nowhere because he’s a core guy for SD. Stanton is going nowhere because his contract is underwater and he’s got a no trade. Rice is nowhere near worth Tatis.
Bucket- Take it from someone who’s watched every Pads game for years…Preller may be getting tired of Tatis’ act..and if he is? A package of Stanton, Rice, and Dominguez may be enough to scratch his itch.
Tatis was visibly moping for about 2.5 months last season, and was still a 5 WAR player. He’d be an excellent change of scenery guy, and would make millions more in marketing revenue in NY. And as for Stanton? He has to know his career is winding down..so why not head to sunny San Diego for the next couple years? I could see both accepting it.
Ron Darling
There is zero chance that the Padres would make that deal.
Zero.
The Padres would hang up on the Yankees and never stop laughing. If this is the kind of trade Padres fans are floating, I’d hate to see what their rivals are cooking up. Maybe make it a three-team deal with the Pirates so the Yankees can land Skenes—if they’re willing to part with Andújar and Frazier?
Think Stanton is there through 2026. NYY cuts/trades him after that when his salary goes down and he further declines. Also expect strike cutting into 2027 season.
@Dave He has a team option for the ‘28 season. Control for two years before they decline the option.
NYY on hook for Stanton salaries next 3 years:
2026 $19M
2027 $15M
2028 $0
Marlins sending $10M each of next 3 seasons. If Stanton declines to point of negative value they will simply cut him. They’re the Yankees
I’m sure the Yanks would rather trade him than eat that money though. Still say Stanton, Dominguez, and Rice for Tatis and Cronenworth makes sense all the way around. Pads free up a few million for offseason shopping, while picking up 20-40 more HR’s a season, and the Yanks get a true star who they’d likely move to CF, and their Jack of all trades 2b/1b/SS for the next few years who is made for Yankee Stadium.
San Diego is a viable location for Stanton to OK a trade; he’s a SoCal guy.
If not for Trout, Angels would make sense too. Giants less likely with Devers. A’s are longshot but you never know. Dodgers almost zero percent with Ohtani.
You may have a point but Stanton will be given every opportunity to start the 2026 and if he gets injured again for an extended time I can see the Yankees cutting him loose as he is owed $19 million for 26, $15 million for 27 with $10 million buyout for 28 total $44 million however Marlins on the hook for $30 payable last 3 yrs so Yankees won’t have a problem eating $14 million remaining and could very well part with him this winter if they feel he is clogging up the lineup they can’t to put together.
The $30 million from the Marlins is already subtracted to get to $44 million payable by the Yankees. You’re double counting the $30 million.
Meant $34 million instead of $44MM. So, double-counting $20 million.
Unless the Yankees eat his contract Stanton is Yankee until his contract is over. No one will take on that contract. So they might as well keep him
Stanton has a full no trade clause. he’s had it for the entire contract. Why do people keep saying get rid of Stanton? Not happening unless they release him which is silly as he can still hit. Two more years or maybe they release him if he completely stops hitting but given their history the earliest this will happen is next year
You know people ok trades all the time with full no-trade clauses, right? Arenado did when he went to St Louis. Pressly did when he went to the Cubs. It happens.
What motivation would Stanton have for accepting a trade? He’s on a perennial contender and pretty sure he’s said he loves NY. Arenado was on a loser in Colorado and now a loser in St. Louis which is why he’s considering. Unless there’s another problem, players don’t really like to move away from good teams
Volpe having surgery means no way he will be traded this off season as who would possibly take him with health uncertain and poor performance. Yanks are counting on George Lombard to take over at some point in 2027 if there is a season. Next year Volpe and Caballero will fight it out
Volpe’s value is at all-time low so the Yankees can’t get any interesting player(s) back.
Nobody wants Volpe..including the Yankees. 3 years from now, he’ll be a utility guy, or playing in the KBO.
If nobody wants him I’ll happily take him on the Dodgers for the proverbial bag of balls
As a Padres fan, I’d welcome him going to the Dodgers. Make it happen, LA.
“You’d rather have Volpe at SS than Mookie? ”
Is everyone else in the room too dumb to think that I could move him to 2nd, use him off the bench, trade him, etc?
You in the same room as “Smartest”?
Just because I trade (nothing) for him doesn’t mean I have to start him, or even play him.
That said, I think he’ll be a useful player again.
“Bringing Volpe to the Dodgers makes the team weaker in every aspect. No real GM would do that.”
False
I didn’t up anything for him.
I think he’ll perform better next year.
If he doesn’t, I cut him. No. Loss. If he does, big win.
“Volpe, who’s played 1 minor league game in A+ 5 years ago at 2B you’re going to move?”
Yes. Or make him a utility player
“Hyeseong Kim can play 2B ”
I think Volpe is the better player.
“How do the Dodgers get better with him then? His 19 errors help? Or the 89 OPS+?”
Can you read and process the information that you read? Seems like something that any reasonably smart person should be able to do.
“I think he’ll perform better next year.”
If not, I cut him. No risk, big reward.
You never asked
And you’ve never said why you think he’ll perform exactly like he did this year (which is a dumb thing to think).
(And here’s where you said it, for when you say that you didn’t
“How do the Dodgers get better with him then? His 19 errors help? Or the 89 OPS+? 36 year old Miguel Rojas had a better stick than Volpe.”)
I think he’ll be better because of his prospect track record, performance in 2024, and performance before his injury. As well as projections and scouting reports that I’ve read.
Your turn
But, again, even if he doesn’t, I haven’t lost anything if I don’t give up anything for him.
No risk, high reward.
You’re throwing out more data than you’re keeping.
Neither of us knows how Volpe is going to perform next year
I said I would bet nothing that Volpe will improve. If he doesn’t, I’ll cut him and lose nothing.
This was your response
“Laughable. You’d rather have Volpe at SS than Mookie? Dudes going to win GG his first full season at SS while having offensive production considered 4% better than league average during the WORST season in his career. Hahahah.”
Do you agree that
1) I don’t have to start him at SS over Betts?
2) That I have no risk and some possibility of reward?
3) That that is not “laughable”?
I’d take him on the RS. He should be a 20/20 good glove player, and could be better than that.
But he was bad last year!
/S
First, errors are an incomplete way to look at defense
Second, Volpe was a plus defender in his previous years 2 seasons
Absolutely
I assume he will revert back to a good glove after his shoulder has healed. Young players usually don’t lose their gloves.
Do you realize there is more to defense than not making errors?
Also Ozzie Smith averaged 18 errors per 162 games
YOU said that 19 errors isn’t an elite short stop. 19 errors was roughly an average season from Ozzie Smith
“Screams elite lol.”
You’re the only one screaming
You’re the only one talking about elite
2024
14 OAA
8 FRV
6 DRS
2023
1 OAA
1 FRV
15 DRS
You’re also the only one who seems to think that we only have one year’s worth of information.
And the the only one who seems to want to ignore a significant injury that may have effected his performance
You’re also ignoring this
Do you agree that
1) I don’t have to start him at SS over Betts?
2) That I have no risk and some possibility of reward?
3) That that is not “laughable”?
You don’t agree that a team that trades for him doesn’t have to start him at SS? Why?
You don’t agree that if a team trades nothing for him they have no risk? Why?
You don’t agree that there is some possibility he could be a useful (at least a bench player) in the future? Why?
Lombard is overrated, good glove, hitting .215, a OB% of .337, 8hr and 36rbi in 108 games @ AA doesn’t tell me future everyday SS for the Yankees. I did have the opportunity to watch him play last season, he is definitely above average in the field, below average at the plate…the numbers pretty much match the eye test. I’m not over the moon when it comes to volpe, but I believe he’s a better all around player when compared to Lombard jr.
@mlb
STANTON HAS S NO TRADE
How many times does that hadn’t to be reminded to ppl?
Reminder: He can waive it if he’s willing to go somewhere else.
None of it matters because there is NO way anyone is taking Stanton’s contract off the Yankees’ hands. They could pay like 75% of it and I doubt they’d find many suitors even then. He’ll be a year older on legs that can’t run or play defense. He looked great early on when he was back but faded towards the end of the year. He’ll be one year older and all the questions of health and regression will remain.
You also have to consider the fact that teams generally like to cycle players into the DH spot too. Judge could barely throw a baseball after his injury but he was still forced to play defense because Stanton has nowhere else to go and they don’t want his bat being used just as a pinch hitter.
The good news is he’s only on the hook for two more years ($19m in ’26 and $15m in ’27 – although lux hit is still $22m both seasons). If he really starts to decline, I wouldn’t be shocked if he gets DFA’d before that contract is done.
Stanton put up a 944 ops and 24 hr in 77 games this year dude. If the yanks paid down 75% of the money they owe after Miami’s portion there would be interest. At that point you’re talking about high end power ceiling for the cost of a fa middle reliever for two years. And the acquiring team can cut him for cheap if he completely falls apart.
Have the guys basically home runner bus at this point. Can’t run or field. Can’t stay healthy. Eat the majority of the remaining two years of that contract and open up a roster spot for someone who can contribute more.
I mean sure if he has a .944 OPS again, teams would gladly take him at that discount (although the Yanks wouldn’t trade him in the first place). But the three years before he had a . 744 OPS and only managed to get in 77 games this go around, not to mention a career-high 34.2% k-rate.
He tailed off towards the end of the year and was awful in the postseason. It seems to me he was coming back down to earth and will be another year older next season. Considering the legs are shot and he has injuries in both elbows, it’d be pretty crazy to assume 1.) he plays close to a full season of games and 2.) he hits like he did this year.
Having followed contracts and trades closely for over two decades, teams just rarely trade FOR old, oft-injured DH-only types. For such a critical spot in the lineup, you want reliability and flexibility, and Stanton offers neither. Even getting him at half off isn’t enough (IMO) to bring out any suitors. The readers on this site consistently overestimate the value of players when it comes to trades. Orgs aren’t going to look at the .944 OPS and say, “Oh boy, he’s back!”
I was reacting to the notion of 75% off at which point I think a power needy team could bite.
Injury sure didn’t stop him from swinging!
Reports of Volpe’s injury started going around in July. The Yankees traded for Caballero and still made Volpe play through injury. The way they handle injuries will never make sense to me
I mistakenly thought that they used it as an excuse to bench him. Oops.
The injury is actually happened ON MAY 3RD. You can find a clip of it online (game against the Rays). It was said he felt and/or heard a ‘pop’ on the play and you can clearly see him in pain.
The way the Yankees have handled several of their injuries the past many years is tantamount to organizational malpractice in my view. They consistently wait too long to address or notice injuries and have rushed players back from the IL. The pressure to win is overriding common sense on handling these situations.
I’m aware the injury happen in May, I’m saying people didn’t start talking about it until July
An excuse to bench him? Didn’t know Volpe has his number hanging in the rafters with all the other greats
This isn’t your echo chamber for nonsensical comments bleacher creature.
The Yankees looooooose. Again
Poor kid, had to basically play through an injury and it’s probably a factor for his horrible slash line. That being said, I think he should be traded. He needs a change of scenery and to get away from the Yankees.
The kid has been crap at the plate since he came up. All the shoulder surgery talk is just to save face for the front office to let him start again next season. Because Cashman would rather drag things out and hurt the team than take a loss. It’s absolutely stunning, the ego on that man.
@cub
so you’re saying reports of his impending surgery is “fake news’, huh? Yeesh. Maga!!
Nice to see players playing through injuries. Nowadays, most of the guys get a paper cut opening their paycheck and need to go on the DL for at least 3-6 months.
Anthony Rendon has entered the chat!
Actually – its the team that makes the decision to DL a player or not. Its a medical decision made by team doctors most of the time and by the GM to manipulate the roster the rest of the time.
Anthony Rizzo says hello. Played “punch drunk” for over 2 months in ’23.
Rizzo played punch-drunk for over 2 months in ’23.
That might explain his poor performance.
Volpe had 11 at bats in the Toronto series with 8 strikeouts. He should have not been in the lineup. He was the hole that knocked them out of the series. They lost because of the guy putting the lineup card together.
Volpe actually went 1-for-15 with 11 strikeouts, appearing in every game of the Yankees’ 4-game ALDS.
@one
Volpe wasn’t the reason the Yanks lost. There offense, outside of Judge, completely disappeared. Dint use him as the scapegoat.
As an athlete with an athletic injury, Volpe legitimately needed surgery, obviously, but this will not magically make him a better athlete.
I think at his healthiest Volpe is not the quality the Yankees need as a starting shortstop and they need to move on from him, no matter what.
If the doctors are good at their job and he comes out of that surgery wearing a different uniform I’ll then say it was a success.
Yup, pinstripes are not in Volpe’s future.
Volpe was injured, presumably this will take care of it, in time to get him the Spring Training and ideally so he can recapture some of the promise folks ascribed to him. Don’t dump him. I don’t get the Stanton hate. He had 24HR and an OPS+ of 158–that’s not that easy to find out there–and he has a guaranteed contract. Yes, the Yankees should never made the trade in the first place, but you don’t just cut that type of production loose.
The Volpe problem is a legitimate one-what type of player will he be? But the Yankees have a lot of other issues to address, and after the WS is over, they should start addressing them.
Mike, the guy has been awful at the plate since he came up. Even when he hit 20 home runs his rookie season and he barely stayed above the Mendoza line with his batting average. He’s a solid utility guy at best, and the Yankees are forcing him at shortstop because they publi anointed him to be the next Derek Jeter. That’s all this is about.
Volpe and Swanson are identical players at Volpe’s stage of his career.
This entire injury comes from a play on May 3rd.
He had a 115 wRC+ before then and a 72 wRC+ afterwards.
Hope all goes well. I still think the kid can be good. He’s got the heart.
I assume Yankees fans were waiting outside the hospital to boo Volpe when he was discharged after surgery.
Good idea!!! Is he still there?
Ha!!!
Is Volpe critical enough to have to play through an injury that affects his performance? Just get the surgery right away, I don’t get it
The Yankees have a tough off season. In a perfect world:
Sign Bichette for SS
Move Volpe to 2B, if he is healthy
Resign Bellinger
Resign Ryan McMahon
Either commit to Rice at 1B or DH. With the latter you have to eat salary for someone to take him.
Trade for a CF which may be the toughest part. They need to move Judge to LF.
See what the value of Dominquez is because if you can fix one of the key defensive positions, SS, 2B or CF move him.
This Yankees team is starting to remind me of the 1980’s teams. Too many guys who are below average defenders.
@Goose
Jazz is the 2nd baseman. Would rather pay a small amount to see if Volpe bounces back than pay Bichette big money when he himself isn’t a long-term shortstop.
Agree on re-sign Belli. Bring back Rosario, too. He compliments Jazz/McMahon very well.
McMahon is under contract so there is no resigning him.
Stanton is the DH. Commit to Rice as a 1B-only platoon bat and sign a RH 1B to complement him. And also sign a backup catcher or commit to Escarra.
If Dominguez gets traded, which he shouldn’t, it should be for bullpen help and to restock the weak farm. If we sign Tucker, then I’m all for trading him.
C: Wells, Escarra
1B: Rice, RH bat
2B: Chisholm, Rosario
3B: McMahon
SS: Volpe, Caballero
LF: Judge
CF: Belli
RF: Tucker
DH: Stanton
My goof on McMahon. I thought his contract is up.
Jazz isn’t worth it. He is one of those guys that is me first and teases.
I get the criticism on Bichette. Unless the Yankees trade for a SS they are either going into next year with a big risk there. A banged up and flawed Volpe or find an all glove no hit guy. With Bichette at least you can balance the lineup with a decent RH bat that won’t cost prospects.
I am a believer in Rice’s bat. I can see him taking it up another notch but I don’t know if he has a position. Maybe he is the the guy you deal if someone comes along with a good offer.
I don’t know if George’s kids will spend the money like the old man. George would be all over Tucker this offseason.
The three big problems with this team:
Defense is average at best.
Bullpen is put together with a bubble gum and scotch tape.
Cashman is not the GM to fix it.
Didn’t seem to alter his production. He has been remarkably consistent from season to season. Probably best suited to being a utility infielder.
Even before the injury Volpe wasn’t very good.
Incompetent to have waited, it accomplished nothing positive
Just like Bird and Rizzo, got incompetent care
My chiropractor explained the dirty inside info on medicine in sports but no one here would believe me so I won’t waste my time explaining it