Yes, the same homegrown shortstop that was once hailed as a cornerstone. That’s no longer the case. We’re in a new reality now where Anthony Volpe’s struggles have become increasingly hard to ignore. Just recently, in the Yankees-Blue Jays series, his two costly defensive miscues shifted the game in the Blue Jays’ favor.

First, his hurried throw allowed runners to advance. Then, he couldn’t tag out the opponent that eventually loaded the bases and shifted the entire momentum. Volpe has been struggling on both sides of the ball lately. These latest instances were already hard to take in. But now, some of Volpe’s extremely worrying stats have surfaced and gone viral instantly.

Anthony happens to be one of those 62 players who have made a minimum of 1500 plate appearances since 2023. Now that’s not the shocking part. It’s actually his ranking in comparison to those other 62 players.

He ranks 58th with his slugging percentage. On the other hand, in batting average, OPS, on-base percentage, wOBA, and wRC+, he ranks 62nd. Yes, the last. As unbelievable as it sounds, it is true.

Be it at the plate or in the field, he’s performing terribly. Naturally, he’s now drawing scrutiny for his struggles as these numbers don’t look like those of a Bronx Bomber. Will the Yankees do anything about it, maybe cut bait on him?

They could. Of late, despite Volpe’s potential, his recent performance has raised serious concerns. But Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman still stands by Volpe. He has time and again expressed the team’s goal to trust young players, and the “process,” and help them refine.

For Volpe, to be precise, his .224 batting average with 9 home runs and 44 RBIs of the 2025 season has only added fuel to the ongoing criticisms. He hasn’t been the same stellar shortstop who used to make solid contact. When he was in a harsh 0-for-24 stretch recently, it seemed like it’d never end. Let’s hear from Volpe himself.

Volpe unbothered by his defensive miscues

After Anthony Volpe’s alarming stats surfaced, it grabbed league-wide attention.

His latest performance against the Blue Jays is drawing the most scrutiny. Volpe had the opportunity to give the Yankees a much-needed lead in the opening game. A ground ball came towards him along with runners in motion.

One runner was heading towards home in order to tie the game, while the other was going towards second base and the batter rushed to first. Volpe decided to throw first; however, he couldn’t do it in time. That very throw allowed runners on second and first. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made the most of that opportunity. He hit a single that helped the Blue Jays notch a 5-4 win.

In the postgame media appearance, Volpe had an “it happens” breezy reaction to the loss. “We’re going to be aggressive, try to make plays and back up the pitcher…. That’s baseball. It happens,” he responded.

Not to forget, there was another moment earlier in the game when he slid, stopped, and attempted to throw out a runner at third. However, Jazz Chisholm Jr. missed that one.

Well, to a certain extent, it’s great to be optimistic. But for his miscues, Volpe had no regrets. However, when he added this statement—“I’m going to go for that play every single time.” It drew serious scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.

Now, after losing 4 straight games to the Blue Jays, the Yankees are set to go against the Mets. Volpe has another opportunity to change the narrative. The next Subway Series might have the answer…