The New York Yankees are tied for first place in the AL East despite losing Aaron Judge to a rib injury in late May. That’s impressive. But there’s a growing tension inside the clubhouse and among former players over who should be starting at shortstop — and the debate is getting louder.
The decision comes down to two right-handed hitters: Anthony Volpe, the homegrown Gold Glove winner who was called back up in May, and Jose Caballero, the utility infielder who has played outfield more than fans would like. Manager Aaron Boone has stuck with Volpe as the everyday shortstop, but a pair of ex-Yankees think that’s a mistake.
Todd Frazier, the two-time All-Star and 2015 Home Run Derby champion, made his case bluntly on the “Foul Territory” podcast.
“I think you give Caballero the shot and you see what he can do,” Frazier said. “He’s earned it, he deserves it.” Frazier pointed to what he sees as a lack of clarity from Boone when asked about the lineup — suggesting the organization isn’t being straight about its intentions.
Adam Ottavino, who pitched two stints in the Bronx, went a step further. He questioned whether the front office’s attachment to Volpe — a 2019 first-round pick — is clouding their judgment. “I wonder about the dynamic of being a guy that you drafted and developed and just falling in love with your own player,” Ottavino said. “I feel like with the Yankees it’s only part of the story.”
The numbers back up the criticism. Through 78 plate appearances this season, Volpe is hitting .194 with a .308 on-base percentage and a .606 OPS. Caballero, with 198 plate appearances, is slashing .258/.313/.390 with a .703 OPS — including two hits and two RBIs in Wednesday’s 8-4 win over Cleveland. Neither is a star at the plate, but Caballero has been clearly better.
Defensively, the gap is narrower. Volpe has +1 defensive runs saved and +1 outs above average. Caballero has +4 DRS but -1 OAA at shortstop, per FanGraphs. Both provide steady gloves, which makes the offensive discrepancy harder to ignore.
General manager Brian Cashman and Boone have shown heavy loyalty to Volpe, who won a Gold Glove in 2023 but has struggled to sustain production. The Yankees are in a World Series-or-bust season, and with Judge sidelined, every lineup decision carries more weight. Online, fans have been vocal — many believe Caballero should get the starting nod at shortstop while Volpe sorts out his bat.
If the front office sticks with Volpe, the pressure on the 24-year-old will only mount. And for a player who already faces critical eyes in New York, that’s a dangerous place to be.
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