MLB Rumors: Shane Bieber trade value, Phillies buying, demote Volpe?

MLB Rumors: Could the Yankees demote Anthony Volpe?

Anthony Volpe is slashing just .191/.268/.358 so far in his big-league career, though his value goes far beyond that. Timely hits, including a game-winning home run against the Dodgers this weekend, can be lethal when paired with what has overall been sound defense at shortstop.

Shortstop is one of the most demanding positions in baseball and sports. Developing at the major-league level takes time and patience, something the Yankees and their fanbase often don’t have enough of. That is why calls for his demotion have grown in recent days, especially with the way Oswald Peraza is playing in the minors. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic echoed that argument:

"“Volpe, 22, continues to produce meaningful hits, the latest his ninth homer, a two-run shot, against the Dodgers on Sunday. But the Yankees’ other shortstop prospect, Oswald Peraza, recently hit 10 homers in a 15-game stretch at Triple A. He would represent a reasonable alternative if the team wanted to give Volpe a chance to reset in the minors.”"

It’s easy to merely look at Volpe’s slash line and compare it to the vastly-improved Peraza’s in Triple A and suggest the Yanks should make a switch. But baseball isn’t that simple, and sending Volpe down at this point may do more harm than good. Not to mention, what happens if Peraza also struggles?

Yanks Go Yard’s Adam Weinrib scoffed at the thought of sending Volpe down this early. It’s only June, after all:

“Yes, the Yankees should absolutely stick with Volpe. They made the decision on Opening Day not only to carry him north, but to make him their starting shortstop, a position that holds great significance for the franchise. After two months, you can’t about face on that plan — especially when Volpe is among the team’s WAR leaders and is days removed from a clutch homer at Dodger Stadium, despite his struggles. And “development” is such a buzzword. What does he have left to gain at AAA, other than removing himself from the spotlight? What will he learn from that? And imagine if Peraza struggles? Then what?

Volpe getting meaningful reps at the MLB level is more important for the future of this franchise than some quick fix for a team that’s 10 games over .500 and probably doesn’t require panic.”

It’s understandable that Volpe’s Opening Day roster spot came with high expectations. Often time, however, that’s just not how baseball works. Volpe just turned 22 in lat April. Give him some time.