With the top Wild Card practically secured, the Yankees are already shaping their playoff roster. Manager Aaron Boone told reporters, including MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, that infielder Anthony Volpe will get a look at the hot corner. Can Volpe handle the position when it matters most?
“We’re trying to stay as flexible as possible, with many roster combos for the Wild Card Series,” Boone said.
Volpe was recalled in early September to take over second base after Jazz Chisholm Jr. went on the injured list. Now that Chisholm is back, Volpe returns to a bench role while rookie George Lombard Jr. continues as the everyday shortstop since his August debut.
Third base has lingered as a weakness all year. A unit anchored by Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario posted a .623 OPS, the league’s fourth‑lowest. McMahon, acquired from Colorado last July, is slashing .209/.287/.346 in 176 games. Rosario, his right‑handed partner, is hitting .201 against lefties but fares better versus right‑handed pitchers.
Volpe never played shortstop for the Yankees until this season and has logged 11 games at second. He logged three Triple‑A games at third this year, his first professional experience there since Single‑A in 2021. While praised as a plus defender at shortstop, McMahon has struggled defensively, posting –2 DRS this season.
Getting Volpe’s bat into the lineup isn’t essential, yet he outshines the alternatives. The 25‑year‑old posts an 88 wRC+ over 234 plate appearances, has swiped 11 bases, and trimmed his strikeout rate to a career‑low 22.2% while boosting his walk rate to 10.3%. In my view, he offers the best blend of speed and plate discipline on the bench.
The Yankees have four chances left to give Volpe a look at third, starting with tonight’s finale against the Rays. New York finishes the season at home versus the Orioles, and Boone hinted that Volpe’s performance could shape the postseason roster. If he impresses, will he start the playoffs at third base?