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The New York Yankees are committed to finding some external upgrades for the roster in the next couple of weeks.
General manager Brian Cashman vowed to “try to be active” at the coming trade deadline “because there’s some areas on this team that need fixing,” according to NorthJersey.com’s Pete Caldera.
In the short term, that seems most likely to include the bullpen, rotation and third base. But if Anthony Volpe doesn’t turn things around soon, that could mean turning to a new franchise shortstop in the near future as well.
“I don’t see them trading (No. 1 prospect) George Lombard Jr.,” an anonymous scout told NJ.com’s Randy Miller. “I’ll be honest with you: I think Lombard is their future shortstop and Volpe gets pushed to second. I think Lombard is the Yankees’ next (Derek) Jeter-type player.”
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In his third season with the team, Volpe has seemingly regressed at the plate and on defense. He is batting just .214 so far this season with a career-low .966 fielding percentage. Meanwhile, Lombard is slashing .239/.382/.356 between High-A and Double-A this season at just 20 years old.
Lombard won’t be brought up to the big leagues until next season at the earliest, but Volpe’s grasp on the team’s starting shortstop position could be in jeopardy as his defense is no longer strong enough to support a fundamental problem at the plate.
“I think a lot of people are wondering why Volpe has taken steps back,” the scout added, per Miller. “It’s a simple explanation. The league knows how to pitch him.”
If the Yankees address their more pressing problems at the trade deadline without dealing Lombard away, it could be a sign that Volpe will be on the move soon.
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