Anthony Volpe will miss the start of next season due to surgery to repair a partial labrum tear in his left shoulder, complicating the New York Yankees’ plans for the shortstop position in 2026.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone reported that Volpe will not be able to bat for at least four months and will not be able to throw on his operated shoulder for at least six months.
The Yankees will start next season in San Francisco against the Giants on March 25th.
Volpe’s extensive recovery will likely force the Yankees to look for alternatives at shortstop, but Boone emphasized that Volpe is still “part of the equation” to be the regular starter at that position.
Boone confirmed that Volpe underwent arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday, less than a week after the end of his disappointing 2025 season, and was operated on by Dr. Chris Ahmad, team doctor for the Yankees.
Volpe initially injured his shoulder in early May and was affected by the injury throughout the season.
The former top prospect received two cortisone shots, one in July and another in September, but general manager Brian Cashman indicated last month that the Yankees thought Volpe could avoid surgery.
The future of Volpe with the Yankees was already uncertain after he struggled during the season. The 2023 Gold Glove winner committed 19 errors, tied for third in MLB, and batted only .212 with an OPS of .663. He went 5-26 in New York’s seven postseason games, striking out 16 times.
Jose Caballero replaced Volpe at shortstop during the last two months of the season, and the Yankees could also use Oswaldo Cabrera at the position.
Shortstop George Lombard Jr. is New York’s top minor league prospect, but the 20-year-old hit just .215 in 108 games at Double-A Somerset this season and is considered unlikely to be part of the Yankees’ Opening Day roster in 2026.
