The New York Yankees are set to make a significant change at shortstop for the upcoming 2026 season. Anthony Volpe, who has held the position for the past three years, is expected to be sidelined as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. This marks the first Opening Day without Volpe since Isiah Kiner-Falefa filled the role in 2022.
Volpe’s Shoulder Surgery: What We Know
Volpe underwent labrum surgery following a challenging 2025 season. Despite the hope that this procedure might enhance his performance, the recovery process is crucial. He originally injured his left shoulder on May 3 during a game. An imaging study revealed a partially torn labrum, a diagnosis that Volpe played with while experiencing significant declines in his performance.
Injury Timeline
- Injury Date: May 3, 2025
- Surgery Date: Offseason (exact date not specified)
- Expected Recovery: Four months for swinging; six months before diving
Yankees Manager Aaron Boone stated that Volpe dealt with the injury for part of the season, even after confirming it was a pre-existing condition. Despite this, Volpe functioned without reporting pain, raising questions about the extent of his injury’s impact on his performance.
Performance Under Pressure
Anthony Volpe’s 2025 statistics showcased a dramatic decline. He finished the season with an 83 wRC+ and committed 19 errors, both career lows. The discrepancy in opinions regarding the influence of his shoulder injury on his performance has led to ongoing discussions within the organization.
Cortisone Shots and Performance Fluctuations
Volpe received cortisone shots, which initially improved his performance. After the All-Star break, he achieved a 1.086 OPS over 13 games but significantly faltered thereafter, reflecting a downward trend in output. His numbers indicated that the cortisone had a limited and temporary effect on his capabilities, suggesting underlying issues with his shoulder.
Future Outlook
According to orthopedic surgeon Brian Schulz, who commented on Volpe’s situation, the recovery process is a vital phase in determining whether he can regain his previous form. The surgery aims to alleviate concerns and restore functionality to Volpe’s lead shoulder, which is crucial for his batting performance.
Post-surgery, Volpe will be restricted from swinging for four months and diving for up to six months. Patience is essential to avoid rushing his return, which could result in further injury complications.
Yankees’ Shortstop Position Moving Forward
With uncertainty surrounding Volpe’s return, the Yankees may start José Caballero at shortstop on Opening Day. Management’s tone has shifted, lacking the previous confidence about Volpe’s future role in the team.
As the Yankees navigate this transition, one thing is clear: Volpe’s surgery marks a pivotal step in addressing his past performance issues. With a recovering athlete and high stakes for the franchise, the next few months will determine the trajectory of Volpe’s career and the Yankees’ prospects.
