Yankees Shortstop Anthony Volpe Undergoes Shoulder Surgery
New York, NY — New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe underwent surgery on Tuesday to address a torn labrum in his left shoulder, as confirmed by manager Aaron Boone during his annual wrap-up press conference on Thursday. With the surgery requiring Volpe to refrain from diving on his shoulder for six months, his availability for the 2026 Opening Day remains uncertain.
In addition to Volpe’s situation, Boone provided updates on other team members. Outfielder Aaron Judge will not need surgery on his elbow, which had hampered his throwing abilities towards the end of the season. Meanwhile, left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón is set to undergo a procedure to remove a bone spur, which might also affect his readiness for next season.
Volpe’s shoulder injury was a persistent issue throughout the 2025 season. He underwent imaging in early May after experiencing a “pop” during a fielding attempt. Although he never landed on the injured list, reports in September noted several instances where he re-aggravated the injury. During the July All-Star break, he received a cortisone injection aimed at managing the discomfort.
When prompted about the impact of Volpe’s shoulder injury on his performance, Boone stated, “I feel like he’s been in a good spot physically… I don’t know how you can possibly know that, but I don’t think it’s been a major factor in his performance or his ability to swing the bat.” This claim, however, raises questions given Volpe’s significant drop in performance after the injury. Prior to May 3, he had an OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) of .768, which plummeted to .632 afterward.
Performance Metrics Highlighting Struggles
Throughout the 2025 season, Volpe logged a batting line of .212/.272/.391, hitting 19 home runs and stealing 18 bases across 153 games. His overall performance yielded an OPS+ of 83, slightly below the 84 mark he maintained in his first two major league seasons. Despite these struggles, his contributions were still considered valuable, estimated at 1.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
Volpe’s recovery from surgery will be crucial for his future with the Yankees. The team has placed considerable confidence in him following his debut, seeing him as a key asset moving forward. Manager Boone’s remarks reflect hope for Volpe’s recovery, although his performance trajectory invites scrutiny.
Impact on the Yankees’ Plans
The implications of Volpe’s surgery extend beyond his individual career. With the Yankees facing another challenging offseason, the organization’s strategy for filling positions and addressing team dynamics hinges on how quickly Volpe can recover and regain his form. The injury landscape for the team will also determine how they approach trades and free-agent signings in the coming months.
As the Yankees prepare for the 2026 season, the health of their players—especially pivotal figures like Volpe and Judge—will be of utmost importance. With Volpe’s surgery occurring so close to the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to gauge how these injuries affect the team’s plans moving forward.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Anthony Volpe’s shoulder surgery raises essential questions about player health and performance in Major League Baseball. As the Yankees navigate these injuries, the road ahead for both Volpe and the organization remains uncertain but consequential. The outcome will not only affect individual careers but also the strategic direction of one of baseball’s most storied franchises.
