Are we finally seeing Anthony Volpe’s favoritism come to an end? Last season, despite injuries, Volpe was stuck in place by Aaron Boone, with prospects never getting a real chance to play. However, while the general manager is still on board with his choice, the Yankees have set their eyes on someone they like more, as opined by The Shift host Joe.

“Volpe, we all know what he did last year. I don’t have to tell you,” Joe said in the February 4 video of his show. “The shortstop position is not guaranteed. (Boone) He still believes in Volpe, but there is a timeline. Miguel Andujar is coming back to the Yankees. Yankees decision-makers love him.”

Anthony Volpe played through a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder in 2025, worsening the struggles after May, which the Yankees said likely impacted his performance. He averaged .212 with 19 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 18 steals in 153 games, well below average for a starting shortstop.

After Gold Glove‑caliber defense earlier in his career, he also struggled defensively. He committed 19 errors and posted deeply negative Outs Above Average. Yet, despite his injury and analytics suggesting a major regression, Boone defended him publicly. He, in fact, still has Volpe’s side.

“I think he’s really talented,” said Boone for Volpe’s spring training preparation. “I would expect him to (practice). He’s in that final phase to where he, before he starts to hit. I think a few weeks away from starting to hit.”

But in 2026, the shortstop role is no longer Volpe’s alone.

With the bat starting the season on the injured list, rehabbing from shoulder surgery, José Caballero is expected to hold the position. Caballero led MLB in stolen bases with 49 in 2025, and his versatility at multiple positions makes him a legitimate option.

His strong showing with the Yankees included a .266 average and 15 steals in 40 games, which shows he can contribute offensively and defensively. Meanwhile, Yankees management is exploring other right‑handed hitting options to enhance the roster.

Among those options is Miguel Andújar, a free agent who hit .318 with 10 home runs in 94 games in 2025.

Andújar has a long track record of success against left‑handed pitching, owning a .297 career average with 17 homers and 63 RBIs against lefties. His ability to play multiple positions and hit for value against southpaws could help balance the Yankees’ lineup. Many within the New York Yankees organization and media are discussing his fit as a right‑handed bat.

A reunion with Andújar could benefit the team by adding depth and a matchup advantage, especially if Volpe’s struggles continue. And if Volpe does not rebound shortly after his return, competition from Caballero and others could replace him permanently.

Other players the Yankees could add to make their team better

Anthony Volpe’s bat has been scuffling in ways that make box scores cringe, and the Yankees can’t afford polite underperformance. If their infield spark isn’t firing, adding pieces to stabilize the lineup isn’t optional; it’s mandatory.

Building on the platoon flexibility discussed earlier, the focus now shifts to other players the Yankees could add to make their team better, targeting consistent production and depth.

Randal Grichuk could help the New York Yankees’ outfield by offering a seasoned right‑handed bat with real pop since he posted 17 homers in 2025 across 113 games while hitting a .228 batting average.

His career includes a strong season in 2024 when he hit .291 with a .875 OPS over 106 games, showing he can still contribute offensively. Grichuk’s experience playing in different roles and his ability to spell starters make him a candidate to give struggling regulars like Volpe rest without big performance drop‑offs.

To build on that point, the Yankees could look to Starling Marte, who compiled a .270 batting average with 9 homers and 34 RBIs in 2025 despite limited plate appearances. His ability to get on base at a .361 OBP in 78 games shows he can still spark rallies when active. Even with health and playing‑time questions, his history of hustle and timely hits gives depth that could ease pressure on younger outfielders.

Together, these outfield options would add production and flexibility at the plate while the Yankees seek consistency beyond Anthony Volpe’s dip. Grichuk and Marte fill the type of platoon roles that can keep the lineup competitive against varied pitching. Their varied skill sets help bridge stretches when regulars struggle and extend the Yankees’ depth into a long season.