Anthony Volpe denies ruling out any position change with the Yankees

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe is often on the receiving end of punches from angry fans for his inconsistency at the plate, but he gave a rare public response Wednesday.

Volpe reportedly declined to play second base while in Triple-A this season, but called that claim “BS.” The report has been withdrawn.

“It can't be more true,” Volpe told reporters, via the New York Post. “Personally, in my opinion, that was clearly communicated to him [manager Aaron Boone] and the group. I think it's kind of BS, honestly, because I hope my teammates here – I've played with them for three years and more – I hope they know my character and that I can do anything to help the team win. Literally anything.

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“So, I'm just thinking about the narrative and what you're trying to say about me, I feel like I'm defending myself for something that didn't actually happen.”

The 25-year-old added that the Yankees had not talked to him about changing his position until José Caballero, who started the season as the team's shortstop, came off the injured list in May.

Volpe, who had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, has been working through his rehab with the mindset of being a shortstop. That was the case when he was reassigned, though he was optioned to Triple-A on May 4 while coming off the injured list due to Caballero's strong performance to start the season.

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Volpe also revealed that he was coming in with the Yankees during the offseason, questioning what was expected of him at a time when his rehab process allowed him to take ground balls. He couldn't throw across the diamond yet.

Volpe said the message from the Yankees was to be ready to play shortstop.

When the season started, GM Brian Cashman also noted that the plan was to always have Volpe back in the mix as the team's shortstop, but Caballero's performance forced the Yankees' hand.

Anthony Volpe of the New York Yankees prepares to field a ground ball during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 2026 in New York City. (Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)

However, things changed when Caballero injured himself, and Volpe was naturally called in to fill the void. At the time, he was playing only shortstop for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

“When I was selected, I told Booney that I will play striker, I will do whatever the team needs,” explained Volpe. “And that's the truth of the matter. That's why what was said makes me have a problem because there was no zero.”

In the end, Volpe said he had “no problem” with the introduction of the position change.

“I want to be here and I want to help the team win the World Series. That's all I want,” Volpe said.

Boone added: “I know you can do anything. Volpe's character and the team first [mindset] it is beyond suspicion. As good as it gets. He has been through a lot and has handled everything with strength, kindness, integrity in his work and putting the team first. He's always been like that.”

Anthony Volpe of the New York Yankees throws his helmet during the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 2026 in New York City. (Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)

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Volpe, a first-round pick out of Delbarton High School in New Jersey by the Yankees in 2019, has had his share of stints with the team, but consistency hasn't been there in parts of four seasons.

For his career, Volpe is slashing .224/.287/.375 with a .662 OPS across 513 games. Volpe's 19 errors at shortstop last season also led MLB in that category. He has three starts in 36 games this year for the Yankees.

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