Overview
- An MRI revealed a more significant left labrum tear than first believed, leading to arthroscopic surgery and a timeline that has Anthony Volpe resuming swings in mid-February, avoiding dives until mid-April, and not returning before May.
- José Caballero is the leading internal option to open 2026 at shortstop, with Oswaldo Cabrera and potential external additions also in the mix.
- Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone publicly back Volpe as the shortstop when healthy, emphasizing improved on-base skills and overall offensive consistency.
- Volpe’s 2025 featured a clear regression, including a .212/.272/.391 line, 83 wRC+, 19 errors, and negative outs above average after early-season shoulder trouble.
- Top prospect George Lombard Jr. is expected to start 2026 in the minors, with the organization noting his glove is big-league ready and his bat is still developing, and some outlets suggest a possible 2027 position battle if Volpe does not rebound.