Anthony Volpe denies refusing any position change with the Yankees

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe often rolls with the punches thrown by a rabid fanbase for his inconsistency on the field, but on Wednesday he offered a rare public response.

Volpe reportedly refused to play second base while in Triple-A this season, but called “BS” on the claim. The report was later retracted.

“This couldn’t be further from the truth,” Volpe told reporters. New York Post. “From my perspective, from my perspective, that was communicated very clearly [manager Aaron Boone] and team. I honestly think it’s a bit of nonsense, because I hope that my teammates here (I’ve played with them for over three years) know my character and that I will do literally anything to help the team win. Literally anything.

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“So, I think just the narrative and what it’s trying to say about me, I literally feel like I’m defending myself over something that didn’t happen.”

The 25-year-old added that the Yankees did not approach him about changing the position until José Caballero, who started the season as the team’s shortstop, came off the injured list in May.

Volpe, who had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, was training with the idea of ​​becoming a center back during his rehabilitation. This was also the case during his rehab stint, but he was optioned to Triple-A on May 4 when Caballero had to come off the injured list due to his good performance to start the season.

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Volpe also stated that he met with the Yankees during the offseason and asked what was expected of him at a time when his rehab process was only allowing him to throw ground balls. He hasn’t been able to throw the diamond across yet.

Volpe said the Yankees’ message is to be ready to play shortstop.

When the season began, GM Brian Cashman also stated that the plan was always to have Volpe reinserted as the team’s shortstop, but Caballero’s play forced the Yankees’ hand.

Anthony Volpe of the New York Yankees prepares to throw a ground ball during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 2026 in New York City. (Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)

But things changed when Caballero himself was injured and Volpe was naturally recalled to fill the void. At the time, he was playing only shortstop at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

“When I got optioned, I told Booney I was going to play catcher, literally do whatever the team needed,” Volpe said. “And that’s the truth behind the story. That’s why it catches me so off guard that what was said was said, literally zero.”

Finally, Volpe said there was “no problem” in introducing the change of position.

“I want to be here and I want to help the team win the World Series. That’s literally all I want,” Volpe said.

Boone added: “I know he’ll do whatever it takes. Volpe’s character and putting the team first [mindset] is beyond reproach. It’s as good as it gets. She’s been through a lot and handled it all with toughness, grace, work ethic and a team-first mindset. He’s always been like that.”

Anthony Volpe of the New York Yankees throws his helmet during the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium in New York City on July 4, 2026. (Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)

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Volpe, a first-round pick by the Yankees in 2019 out of Delbarton High School in New Jersey, had some good moments with the team but lacked consistency in parts of four seasons.

Over his career, Volpe has slashed .224/.287/.375 with a .662 OPS in 513 plate appearances. Volpe’s 19 errors at shortstop last season also led MLB in that category. He made three of 36 starts for the Yankees this year.

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