Yankees Weigh Anthony Volpe Demotion Amid Trade Interest

Former MLB manager Joe Maddon has suggested the New York Yankees consider sending struggling shortstop Anthony Volpe down to the minors to regain his confidence and fundamentals, drawing parallels to the Mets' handling of Francisco Álvarez, who rebounded strongly after a demotion. Volpe, batting .214 and leading the American League in errors, has underperformed both offensively and defensively, prompting concerns about his readiness to remain an everyday shortstop. While Yankees manager Aaron Boone publicly supports Volpe as the team's current and future shortstop, reports indicate that general manager Brian Cashman and staff have explored trade options, including inquiries about Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz, who offers versatility and power despite a down season. The Yankees have also been linked to a potential third baseman acquisition, reflecting a broader effort to address infield weaknesses. Maddon emphasized that a mental reset and time in the minors could help Volpe slow the game down and improve, while the comparison to Álvarez's successful return from Triple-A offers a hopeful template. The Yankees face a pivotal decision on whether to make a bold move with Volpe or seek external solutions to stabilize their shortstop position.