Volpe’s Slump Reaches Breaking Point as Yankees Bench Star Shortstop in Critical Moment

Has Anthony Volpe’s prolonged slump cost him the trust of Yankees manager Aaron Boone? The 24-year-old shortstop was benched in a pivotal ninth-inning at-bat during Friday’s 6-5 Subway Series loss to the Mets at Citi Field, signaling growing concerns about his ability to contribute amid a 3-for-24 freefall. With the Yankees trailing by one, Boone opted for lefty Trent Grisham over the slumping Volpe against Mets reliever Reed Garrett—a decision that underscores the mounting pressure on New York’s once-unshakable infield cornerstone.

Boone’s Ninth-Inning Gamble Highlights Volpe’s Struggles

With runners on base and the game hanging in the balance, Boone’s move to pinch-hit Grisham for Volpe marked a stark departure from the Yankees’ typical loyalty to their young shortstop. Volpe, who had gone 0-for-3 earlier in the game—including a rally-killing double play in the sixth—watched from the dugout as Grisham flied out weakly to left field. While the substitution failed to spark a comeback, it laid bare Volpe’s diminishing standing in high-leverage situations.

“Knowing Garrett was going back out [for a second inning], I’d rather have a lefty facing him,” Boone explained postgame. “[Volpe] has gone through it here the last few weeks… but we’ve got real thunder over there in Grisham.”

The numbers paint a grim picture: Volpe is batting just .143 (11-for-77) over his last 22 games with only three extra-base hits, dragging his OPS down to .695—its lowest mark since April. His recent plate appearances have been plagued by poor timing and a tendency to roll over pitches into weak grounders, a flaw highlighted by his inning-ending double play against Austin Warren.

Cashman’s Development Dilemma: Patience vs. Performance

Despite Volpe’s struggles, Yankees GM Brian Cashman has remained steadfast in his support, reiterating the organization’s long-term commitment to the homegrown shortstop. “Anthony’s development isn’t linear,” Cashman told reporters. “We’ve seen his resilience before, and we’re confident he’ll adjust.”

This isn’t the first slump of Volpe’s career. In 2024, he rebounded from a dismal second half (.214/.283/.377 post-June) to deliver a postseason surge (.308/.385/.538 in October), proving his ability to adapt under pressure. However, this year’s regression feels more pronounced, with his groundball rate spiking to 47.6% (up from 42.1% in 2024) and his hard-hit percentage dropping to a career-low 31.2%.

Volpe acknowledged the mechanical flaws plaguing his swing:

“When you’re not on your timing, everything breaks down. I’m grinding, but I’ve got to earn every at-bat.”

Trade Deadline Implications: Infield Depth Over Power?

With the July 30 trade deadline looming, Volpe’s slump could force the Yankees to pivot from their rumored pursuit of bullpen arms or power bats to instead target versatile infielders. New York’s lack of reliable alternatives—Oswald Peraza remains in Triple-A with a .687 OPS—leaves them vulnerable if Volpe’s struggles persist.

Potential Targets:

• Paul DeJong (STL): Elite defense with pop (14 HRs, .745 OPS)
• Brendan Donovan (STL): Switch-hitting utilityman (.291/.366/.421)
• Luis Rengifo (LAA): Contact specialist (.305/.358/.449)

Boone hinted at possible lineup adjustments, including moving Volpe down from the leadoff spot he’s occupied 58 times this season. “We’ll keep evaluating,” Boone said. “He’s had decent swings mixed in—like that deep fly to center—but the consistency isn’t there.”

Volpe’s Path Forward: Reset or Regression?

The Yankees’ handling of Volpe will test their development philosophy. Options include:

1. Short-Term Benching: Give Peraza a spot start to reset Volpe mentally.
2. Mechanical Overhaul: Simplify his load at the plate to reduce groundballs.
3. Lineup Demotion: Shift him to ninth in the order to alleviate pressure.

History suggests Volpe can rebound—his .832 OPS in May proved his ceiling—but the Yankees’ five-game losing skid amplifies the urgency. As Boone noted, “He’s going through it right now, but the work ethic is there.”

Key Takeaways

• Anthony Volpe’s 3-for-24 slump led to a ninth-inning benching in favor of Trent Grisham during the Yankees’ Subway Series loss at Citi Field, signaling eroded trust in high-leverage moments.
• Volpe’s .695 OPS and 47.6% groundball rate highlight mechanical issues, with Boone citing inconsistent timing and “mixed bag” results.
• GM Brian Cashman remains publicly supportive, but the Yankees may pivot to acquire infield depth at the trade deadline if Volpe’s struggles persist.
• Volpe’s 2024 postseason resurgence (.308 BA) offers hope, but the Yankees’ losing streak increases pressure for immediate adjustments.
• Solutions could include lineup demotion, short-term benching, or swing tweaks to rediscover his May form (.832 OPS).

The Yankees’ patience with Volpe—a player once dubbed the “future face of the franchise”—will define their season as they navigate a pivotal July stretch.