The Yankees have made their stance clear heading into Wednesday’s series finale: Anthony Volpe is back in the starting lineup despite a rough stretch of his young career. After two games off to regroup, the struggling shortstop returned Tuesday night and went hitless in four at-bats against the Nationals, extending the slump to 1-for-32. For the team clawing to secure its postseason position, the decision to stick with Anthony Volpe highlights the Yankees’ faith in his capability and the enhancing force surrounding the star’s performance.

Anthony Volpe’s current struggles have been hard to ignore. Once hailed as a cornerstone of the team’s future, the 24-year-old star is now hitting just .206 on the season with 18 home runs and 65 RBIs. Since mid-June, Volpe’s batting average has plummeted to .157, coinciding with the Yankees’ slip from first place in the AL East to clinging to a wild-card position. The star’s issues extend beyond the plate—Volpe’s AL-leading 17 errors have raised concern related to the star’s reliability at shortstop. Despite such glaring stats, Aaron Boone remains adamant that Volpe is “wired right for it,” trusting that the former first-round pick can rediscover the consistency that made Volpe a Gold Glove winner in 2023 and a postseason hero in 2024.

The Yankees confirmed their decision in Wednesday’s lineup reveal, posting on the team’s official account: “Series Finale up next” alongside a photo that contained Volpe, highlighting his return to the starting nine. Such a move establishes the stage for what could be a pivotal moment in the season—if he can deliver in a vital game, it could silence critics; if Volpe falters again, the calls for transformation will only grow louder.

Aaron Boone continues to defend his shortstop, pointing to signs of progress despite the lack of outcome. “He hits one 106 to the wrong part that last at-bat,” Boone said after Tuesday’s win. “I thought (he) got some good swings off”, he added. It is a statement that illustrates the manager’s belief in process over outcome; however, one that could not sit well with impatient fans. The Yankees fans have already voiced their frustration, raining boos on Volpe during the period of current home games—a reaction that highlights the pressure cooker environment in which the young infielder is operating.

The decision to keep Volpe in the lineup is not just related to one star; it is related to the team’s broader identity and strategy. With the postseason race tightening, every game carries added weight, and the team can ill afford costly mistakes—be it at the plate or in the field. Yet, by standing by Anthony Volpe, the Yankees are betting on long-period payoff over short-period fixes, a gamble that could define the team’s October fate. As Boone said, “Whether he’s going through a good stretch or a struggle, he’s always the same guy and such an important part of our team.” Such a loyalty will either look prescient or reckless in the weeks ahead.

While the manager continues to back Anthony Volpe, not everyone is on board with the decision—specifically, the fans.

Fans erupt over Volpe decision and Stanton’s absence

The Yankees’ decision to start Volpe again while leaving Giancarlo Stanton out of Wednesday’s lineup has sparked outrage among fans. “Volpe playing over Stanton is disgusting. I’d literally be ok with Giancarlo at SS instead of Volpe just to get his bat in the lineup,” a fan said on X. His frustration is not unfounded—Stanton has been the most productive hitter of the team this season, slashing .313 with 17 home runs, 46 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.051. In a lineup that has struggled for offensive consistency, leaving out a bat like that has baffled fans.

“How are we sitting, Giancarlo Stanton? This absolutely makes no sense,” another fan wrote. The argument carries more weight given Stanton’s most current performance: on August 26, 2025, against the Nationals, the star crushed a two-run homer in the sixth inning to seal a 5-1 win. Taking such a momentum out of the lineup has some wondering what the Yankees are prioritizing at this vital point in the season.

Some fans are turning their frustration toward the team’s reliance on analytics. “How could you sit Stanton after how he’s been playing? I just don’t get this analytically driven organization anymore,” a fan lamented. The criticism highlights an enhanced disconnect between management’s process-driven approach and the fans who want to see outcomes, specifically, when a vital slugger is performing at an elite level.

Others pointed to José Caballero’s absence as another questionable move. “The only problem is; why still playing Anthony Volpe over José Caballero? D— it, are you morons or are you made?” one post read. Caballero had started three straight games at shortstop and second base over the weekend, delivering speed and spark to the lineup. When moved to a bench role on Tuesday, the star still contributed with a late-game walk and Caballero’s 41st stolen base of the season. For some, sitting a hot and versatile star in favor of a slumping Volpe looks indefensible.

Finally, some fans are already resigned to what they see as inevitable disappointment. “At this point, all we can do is laugh. Volpe will play for the next 10 years and bat .190. We just have to deal with it,” one fan summed up. It is a reflection of the enhanced skepticism among the fans that the team will make the tough calls necessary to enhance their postseason chances.

The Yankees’ decision to bench Stanton and continue betting on Anthony Volpe has clearly struck a nerve with fans, highlighting a divide between the team’s long-term vision and the quick urgency of a playoff push. Whether this gamble pays off or backfires could define not just the series finale, but the trajectory of the team’s season. For now, the force is squarely on Volpe—and on Boone’s belief that patience will lead to payoff.