ESPN insider throws cold water on Yankees fans' preferred Anthony Volpe strategy

It's unclear how the New York Yankees will handle Anthony Volpe upon his return from shoulder surgery. After suffering (and playing through) a torn labrum in 2025, Volpe succumbed to the worst-case scenario despite the Yankees downplaying his injury all season.

The result? Another lackluster campaign that only got fans more and more frustrated with his development. But at the very least, this time Volpe had an excuse with the injury seemingly holding him back since early May.

In Year 4? There will be no excuses, especially not after his 2023-2024 performances that produced some of the worst start-to-finish production at the plate of any full-timer in the entire league. With his upcoming 2026 campaign representing a sort of make-or-break situation, fans are at least hoping the Yankees have learned Volpe needs to be handled with care.

What does that mean? He shouldn't be starting 150+ games. Matchups should be heavily considered when crafting the lineup on a daily basis. He should not be thrown directly into the fire at the onset of 2026 given the nature of his injury and his lackluster offensive performance to date (.222 average, .662 OPS, 84 OPS+). We'll chalk up the declining defense to the shoulder issue, though.

Taking all that into account, Yankees fans envisioned a soft landing/platoon situation for Volpe. After he rehabbed, it was speculated Volpe could be optioned to Triple-A and remain there for a few weeks to get in a rhythm and feel comfortable. Then, when he was ready for MLB action, he'd be welcomed back alongside Jose Caballero as the two split reps in some capacity to keep the lineup fresh.

While the second option could still be possible, ESPN insider Jorge Castillo doesn't believe the first will be on the table.

Yankees unlikely to option Anthony Volpe to Triple-A after he completes rehab for shoulder surgery

"Another possibility -- though the least likely -- is the Yankees keep Volpe in Triple-A after his rehab stint. He has minor league options remaining. The Yankees could decide to let Volpe find his rhythm in a less pressurized setting. Chances are, however, that he rejoins the team when ready."

That's unfortunate to hear because there is no reason this shouldn't be on the table. In all likelihood, Volpe's rehab numbers will not be great. He's coming off major surgery, was battling through mechanical issues long before that, and is in no need to be rushed. His absence from the lineup does not make the Yankees a worse team. They should not be pulling every possible lever to get him back on the field as soon as possible. They don't need to keep him out until July, but if he's "ready" to return in May, it's hard to believe an extra few weeks at Triple-A wouldn't be beneficial for his possible bounce back.

If they do rush him back and he doesn't perform, they will welcome a new, awkward conversation assuming top prospect George Lombard Jr. continues to progress in his development. Is that what they want? For the Volpe discourse to get uncomfortably louder, further impeding his ability to perform?

We know we aren't experts, but this situation has become painfully obvious to the average viewer, and the least the Yankees can do is try their best to make it right after three full years of abject disappointment.