Cashman Backs Volpe as Shoulder Surgery Puts Start of 2026 in Doubt

Overview

• Anthony Volpe is coming off a down year in which he slashed .212/.272/.391, hit 19 home runs with 72 RBIs, and led the American League with 19 errors.
• The shortstop played through a left-shoulder issue after a May 3 scare, received cortisone injections in July and September, and ultimately underwent labrum surgery that the team says will cost him the start of 2026.
• General manager Brian Cashman told reporters he still believes in Volpe, noting the 24-year-old’s age and reaffirming the club will continue to assess all roster options.
• Team officials estimate Volpe could resume swinging in about four months and full defensive strain in roughly six, leaving his Opening Day status uncertain as Aaron Boone expects a clearer timetable later in the winter.
• With Volpe’s return date unresolved, recent trade pickup José Caballero profiles as an early-2026 fill-in after posting a .266/.372/.456 line with 15 steals in 40 games for New York.