Anthony Volpe and the Yankees’ Shortstop Dilemma: A Reality Check on Expectations and MLB Growth

As the New York Yankees enter the third year of Anthony Volpe’s major league career, the debate around his long-term future as the team’s shortstop has never been more intense. Once heralded as the next great Yankees prospect, Volpe’s journey has been marked by flashes of promise, but also by persistent questions about his offensive ceiling and whether he can truly become a cornerstone player in the Bronx. With each passing series, fans and analysts alike are forced to reckon with what Volpe is—and what he might never be.

Volpe’s early years with the Yankees have been a study in contrasts. Defensively, he’s been solid, often showcasing the range, hands, and instincts that made him a first-round pick and a top-10 prospect in all of baseball. But at the plate, the results have been mixed. Volpe’s struggles against high fastballs are well-documented, with opposing pitchers consistently exploiting this weakness. This was on full display in a recent series against the Cleveland Guardians, where Volpe repeatedly found himself overmatched, especially in key situations with runners on base. The scouting report is out: challenge Volpe up in the zone, then mix in breaking balls, and he’ll likely chase.

For many Yankees fans, this isn’t the superstar shortstop they were promised. Volpe was supposed to be the next in a long line of franchise icons, a homegrown answer at a premium position. Instead, his offensive profile has settled into that of a light-hitting, glove-first infielder—good, but perhaps not great. Even his base-stealing, once thought to be a plus tool, has not materialized into a true weapon at the big league level. Meanwhile, his defensive consistency, while generally strong, has not been immune to lapses.

The question, then, is whether Volpe is simply overmatched in the majors, or if he’s still on a developmental arc that will eventually yield greater returns. Some fans have seen enough, arguing that the Yankees need to explore other options at shortstop, perhaps moving Volpe to second base where his bat might play up relative to the position. Others see a player who, while not a superstar, brings everyday value through his durability, defense, and base running—a profile that, in today’s game, remains valuable.

This debate has naturally led to comparisons with other shortstops who took time to find their footing in the majors. One of the most apt parallels is Dansby Swanson, the former first overall pick who, after early struggles with the Atlanta Braves, blossomed into a Gold Glove winner, All-Star, and ultimately a key piece on a World Series champion. Like Volpe, Swanson’s first 1,300 to 1,500 plate appearances were marked by low batting averages, high strikeout rates, and questions about his offensive upside. Yet, Swanson’s durability, defense, and steady improvement made him a cornerstone in Atlanta and earned him a lucrative free-agent contract with the Chicago Cubs.

Swanson’s career arc offers a blueprint for what Volpe could become. Neither player has ever profiled as an elite offensive threat, but both offer above-average value when factoring in defense, base running, and the ability to stay on the field. In fact, Volpe has posted over three Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in each of his first two seasons—a mark that puts him among the more valuable shortstops in the league, even if his bat lags behind the game’s best. The Yankees have not had to worry about who’s playing shortstop each day, and that kind of reliability is not to be underestimated.

Of course, the expectations in New York are different. Volpe’s local roots—growing up a Yankees fan in New Jersey, idolizing Derek Jeter—only heightened the hype. His rapid ascent through the minors, coupled with the Yankees’ decision not to pursue big-ticket free agents like Corey Seager, placed an even greater spotlight on his development. Every slump is magnified, every adjustment scrutinized. The reality is that most major league players, even those with first-round pedigree, take time to reach their peak. Swanson, for example, didn’t become an All-Star until his late 20s.

Still, the criticism persists. Some argue that Oswald Peraza, another highly-touted Yankees infield prospect, could provide similar defense and potentially more with the bat. But if the Yankees’ coaching staff believed Peraza’s bat was ready, he’d be playing. The organization’s loyalty to Volpe is rooted not just in his prospect status, but in his ability to handle the daily grind of a 162-game season—something that should not be overlooked in an era where durability is increasingly rare.

The offensive side remains the biggest question mark. Volpe’s swing has been tinkered with repeatedly, as he’s tried to find a consistent approach. At times, he’s looked lost, chasing power and pulling off pitches that he’d be better served driving to the opposite field. The data-driven emphasis on launch angle and pulled fly balls may not suit his skill set, especially given his size and the unique dimensions of Yankee Stadium. A more balanced, all-fields approach—much like the one he displayed during his best stretches—could unlock more consistent production.

There is also the matter of patience. Volpe is still just 23 years old, with around 1,300 plate appearances under his belt. History is littered with examples of players who didn’t fully blossom until their mid-to-late 20s. Bernie Williams, another Yankees legend, didn’t develop his power until his fourth or fifth season. Swanson, too, was viewed as a disappointment before rounding into form. The key is for Volpe to block out the noise—both from outside critics and the parade of hitting coaches—and focus on becoming the best version of himself, not trying to fit a one-size-fits-all offensive mold.

Ultimately, the Yankees’ shortstop dilemma is a microcosm of modern baseball’s development challenges. Fans want instant superstars, but the reality is that steady, above-average contributors who play every day, defend well, and run the bases intelligently are the backbone of championship teams. Volpe may never be an MVP candidate, but if he follows the Dansby Swanson path—providing three to four WAR per season, playing Gold Glove-caliber defense, and coming through in big moments—he’ll have more than justified the faith the Yankees have shown in him.

Time will tell if Volpe can take the next step, but for now, the calls for drastic change may be premature. In a league where shortstop talent is deeper than ever, the Yankees could do far worse than a player who shows up every day, makes the routine plays, and is still young enough to improve. Whether Volpe ultimately becomes a star or settles in as a valuable role player, his story is still being written—and for the Yankees, that’s reason enough to be patient.