Game after game, Anthony Volpe continues to hurt the team, whether offensively or defensively. Sporting an 82 wRC+, he now ranks 18 percent below league average as a hitter, marking a significant regression. His WAR has dropped from a decent 3.5 last year to a mere 0.8. His struggles have led Yankees legends Derek Jeter and CC Sabathia to step in with tough, honest advice coupled with reassurance that he can still improve. However, Joel Sherman’s bold prediction may cast doubt on Volpe’s playoff role.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post offered a prediction solid enough to shake up the lineup. On the “Pinstripe Post” podcast with Ryan Sampson, Sherman stated, “I’m going to make a prediction. I say José Caballero is [the Yankees’] shortstop in the playoffs.” While Volpe’s slump has persisted, Yankees manager Aaron Boone has largely shielded him.

After 19 errors—most in the American League—the Yankees may have to consider the 29-year-old Caballero. Sherman cautioned, “I know if Caballero plays more, we’ll see things we don’t like.” More playing time could expose Caballero’s weaknesses.

Currently, Caballero has a career .647 OPS over 1,091 plate appearances. “We’ve already seen him get thrown out of two games you can’t get thrown out of … but, in the short term, when the ball is hit to him at shortstop, you’re not holding your breath. Is he a great offensive player? He is not. But this version of him is so much better than Volpe.” Sherman believes Caballero currently represents an upgrade over this version of Anthony Volpe.

Since being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays at last year’s trade deadline, Caballero has played 26 games for the Yankees. He has been productive at the plate, slashing .233/.346/.419.

By contrast, Volpe’s offensive line stands at .207/.269/.396, paired with a -8 Outs Above Average (OAA) rating—a figure that places him in just the fourth percentile league-wide, according to Baseball Savant.

Derek Jeter’s calming advice to Anthony Volpe

Yankees legend Derek Jeter spent two decades in the Bronx, winning five World Series titles and earning 14 All-Star selections. It was unexpected that someone as young as Volpe would be handed this mantle in 2023, but his early seasons have been turbulent. Jeter, who understands the pressure, offered Volpe a reality check: “Hey look, it’s very hard to get to the major leagues. Once you get to the major leagues, it’s even harder to stay in the major leagues.” Despite career highs of 70 runs and 19 home runs, Volpe’s batting average remains below .200.

Though concerning, he’s still young and has plenty of prime years ahead to improve his performance. CC Sabathia voiced similar support, defending Volpe with comforting words: “If we were able to, as a fan base, as a city, let these kids go through whatever they’re going to go through… The game’s hard to play, man. It’s very difficult.” With 11 years of major league experience, Sabathia urged the Bronx community to give Volpe room to grow, suggesting a break from scrutiny might benefit him now.

Anthony Volpe’s recent struggles have raised serious questions about his role with the Yankees, prompting tough decisions as the postseason approaches. With José Caballero emerging as a viable alternative, the team faces a pivotal choice. Yet, the support from legends like Derek Jeter and CC Sabathia underscores the patience needed for young talent to fulfill their potential.