Overview
- Anthony Volpe is rehabbing from offseason surgery to repair a partially torn labrum and is expected to miss the season’s opening weeks, with a return likely around May.
- José Caballero is viewed as the leading Opening Day shortstop option as the Yankees evaluate internal depth behind Volpe.
- General manager Brian Cashman reaffirmed belief in Volpe but emphasized that playing time will be dictated by performance and competition.
- Top prospect George Lombard Jr., 20, earned praise for big-league-ready defense but was deemed not ready offensively after a 2025 line of .235/.367/.381 across High-A and Double-A.
- Some coverage projects a potential 2027 position battle if Volpe does not rebound, even as MLB.com recently identified him as a candidate to bounce back in 2026.