Brian Cashman Breaks Silence on Anthony Volpe’s Slump After Yankees Cut DJ LeMahieu

This season, the Bronx has been full of surprises. A slump, injuries, and now a surprising decision by the front office that no one saw coming. But now another issue has drummed up a storm. Shortly after DJ Mahieu was designated for assignment by the New York Yankees after announcing he would be taking on a bench role, critics’ attention has squarely moved in Anthony Volpe’s direction.

Notably, Volpe is posting a .217/.293/.393 slash line through 90 games. While he won a Gold Glove as a rookie, this year the player has a minus-three outs above average. What’s more, on the defense side, Volpe already has 11 errors on the season and a -3 Outs Above Average (OAA)—he had a career-high 14 OAA in the 2024 season—while being caught stealing seven times in 17 attempts with a 59% success rate. Additionally, the 24-year-old shortstop is one of “one of 62 players [since 2023] who have registered at least 1500 plate appearances and during that time, he ranks last in average, on-base percentage, OPS, wRC+ and wOBA”. This year? Volpe is expected for a 2fWAR, ranking 24th among 30 starters.

No wonder, calls for dumping the player have been on the rise. Take Yardbarker’s Jacob Mountz for instance, who wrote earlier this week, “As upsetting as it sounds, another Yankees top prospect is failing to produce, becoming a liability both at the plate and on the diamond (in addition to injuring his team’s MVP)…His 11 errors this season are among the most in baseball…His plus speed has also failed to make a difference. Volpe has stolen nine bases on the year but has been caught seven times. It would be a sad day in the Big Apple if the Yankees were to give up on Volpe, yet it just might spare the team from misery.” But if you ask Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman, he couldn’t disagree more.

While in talks with SNY, he was asked about his take on Volpe’s troubles. The GM began, “I’m a fan of Volpe. Yeah, I know it’s been streaky. You know, it depends on what month you might ask. So right now, I know he’s had some struggles. One thing I do tell you I admire about Anthony Volpe is his strength and fortitude.” And well, he didn’t stop there…

Cashman continued, “He’s the starting shortstop of the New York Yankees… helped us… perform in the World Series last year. He doesn’t lack confidence. And yes, there’s struggles that have happened… yet…” The executive was seen brushing off his shirt, explaining Volpe’s character. “It doesn’t stick to him.”

He then emphasized how Volpe focuses on the present and has the ability to turn the page. “I do have belief and [am] optimism that he will obviously impact us in a really positive way on both sides of the ball. So, yeah, he’s our shortstop. And I don’t forget where he was and what he was doing in the biggest stage of the game last October.” The Yankee executive is still confident about him that “he’s going to be part of the solution rather than the problem.” 

And now, not only Cashman but Volpe also seems quite confident that he can do it again. “I mean, I know it might sound crazy, but I feel good. We’re obviously working on stuff. Just getting into a place I feel like I need to be. But I’m confident we’re getting toward that.”

Amid all these, one thing is obvious. Brian Cashman has his plan right on the table, and it’s to create a better team before the trade deadline looms.

After DFA, Cashman preps Bronx blueprint

The Yankees are having an identity crisis in the middle of the season. But GM Brian Cashman isn’t just watching. He’s making plans to turn things around. Cashman is getting ready to look into the trade market after DFA’ing DJ LeMahieu and seeing his roster struggle with injuries and inconsistency.

“I’d certainly love to import a starter, some relievers because our bullpen has been taxed with injuries, and an infielder if possible. That’s a long list. I don’t know if this will be a deep Deadline or not. I don’t know how active we will be.” A clear picture of the team’s present plan.

The trade deadline might set the tone for the remainder of the season. Since three starting pitchers are out for the year, the infield is beginning to fall apart.

And the plan is not only on paper. The GM is keeping a close eye. “We will try to be active, I can tell you that, and we will try to import improvements,” he mentioned. Cashman knows the market is unclear, but he made it evident that the Yankees won’t just sit back and do nothing.

The Bronx is ready for business. Who do you think will be their new additions?