Overview
- Anthony Volpe said he feels in a good spot but still needs live at-bats and recovery checkpoints, and he is not expected back before May.
- José Caballero will open at shortstop and could keep significant playing time if he produces after posting a 131 OPS+ with 15 steals in 40 Yankees games last season.
- ESPN’s Buster Olney reported the Yankees should see better shortstop production in 2026 given Caballero’s opportunity and added depth behind Volpe.
- Top prospect George Lombard Jr. will begin at Double-A, with rival evaluators praising his defense and a possible summer call-up tied to offensive progress after a .215/.337/.358 Double-A line at age 20.
- Aaron Boone would be comfortable using Ryan McMahon at shortstop, according to The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner, underscoring additional in-house coverage for the position.