2025 Futures Game just ratcheted up the pressure on Yankees’ Anthony Volpe

The New York Yankees put the full force of their faith behind a homegrown first-round shortstop prior to 2023 Opening Day when they handed the keys to the position to Anthony Volpe. It was such a bold swing and show of fervent belief that it was destined to either be a franchise-changing pivot point in the creation of a legend or a disastrous example of selling a narrative over substance.

2.5 years into the Volpe Experience, it's clear that, while the Yankees have a solid player here, his overall profile is far too scattered to cement his permanent status as the team's starting shortstop. The version of Volpe we were sold coming up from the minors was fundamentally sound and sure of himself. In the intervening years, the defining feature of his career has been a lack of certainty in exactly who he is, partially driven by succumbing to pressure.

He hit 20 homers and stole 20 bases in his rookie season while playing above-average defense and winning a Gold Glove. He still posted a well below-average offensive season, though (81 OPS+), so entering Year 2, he attempted to ditch his own slug and becoming a throwback slap hitter. It didn't work; his 86 OPS+ was nearly as bad, and a solid ALCS and World Series didn't permanently shift the narrative in his favor ... especially when he returned with below-average offense once more and regressing defense in Year 3.

What to make of Volpe? It's still unclear — to fans, the team, and Volpe himself, though the Yankees will apparently stop at nothing to defend and protect him. With every showcase, assessment, and star-powered play, though, it's becoming tougher and tougher to ignore the Yankees' No. 1 prospect George Lombard Jr.

According to Baseball America, Lombard Jr. was the most impressive player to appear in Saturday afternoon's Futures Game, stealing a base and ripping a double while showing off smooth traits at shortstop.

Yankees' George Lombard Jr. looks like shortstop of the future in 2025 All-Star Futures Game

There's absolutely room for both players in the Bronx, potentially as soon as next year (though Lombard Jr. continues to struggle to adjust temporarily after leaping levels). But are we so sure Lombard Jr. should be moved to fill the third base hole just to accommodate Volpe, who's shedding his positive attributes as his third season plods on?

The worst thing for Volpe right now, based on the way he's reacted to the spotlight, is a proliferation of Lombard Jr. jump throws and expert appraisals claiming the Yankees' other shortstop might've been the top prospect in a showcase full of them. And the more Lombard Jr. proves he's elite as a shortstop specifically, the more the telltale heart beats.