Yankees' Shortstop Battle Not as Open as It Appears

Anthony Volpe expected to regain starting job once healthy, despite Jose Caballero's strong spring performance

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Yankees have a brewing shortstop battle between Anthony Volpe and Jose Caballero, but it's not as open as it may seem. Volpe, the team's top prospect, is expected to regain the starting job once he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery, despite Caballero's impressive spring training performance.

Why it matters

The Yankees' shortstop position is a key part of their lineup, and the battle between Volpe and Caballero will have major implications for the team's success this season. Volpe is the team's future at the position, but Caballero has shown he can be a capable starter in the meantime.

The details

Volpe, who hit 19 home runs but struggled with a .212 batting average and 19 errors last season, underwent surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his left arm. Caballero, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays last season, has impressed in spring training, including hitting a home run off the Mets' Justin Hagenman. However, the Yankees are expected to give Volpe the starting job once he's healthy, as manager Aaron Boone has been a staunch defender of the team's top prospect.

  • Volpe required surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his left arm after the conclusion of last season.
  • Caballero has been tapped to get the starting job over Volpe to begin the season.

The players

Anthony Volpe

The New York Yankees' top prospect, who hit 19 home runs but struggled with a .212 batting average and 19 errors last season.

Jose Caballero

An infielder acquired by the Yankees from the Tampa Bay Rays last season, who slashed .266/.372/.456 for an OPS of .828 in 40 games with the team.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who has been a staunch defender of Anthony Volpe.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That's out of my control. I control what I can control. I'm going to go out there and do my best every day. They make the decision.”

— Jose Caballero (New York Post)

What’s next

When Volpe is healthy, there's no doubt he will be Boone's go-to at shortstop. The only way Caballero makes it back to the starting lineup once Volpe recovers is if he has an undeniable start to the season.

The takeaway

The Yankees' shortstop battle is not as open as it may appear, as Anthony Volpe is expected to regain the starting job once he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. While Jose Caballero has impressed in spring training, the team is likely to give Volpe the opportunity to prove himself once he's healthy.