Aaron Judge Backs Anthony Volpe as Key to Yankees’ World Series Hopes After Another Early Exit

The New York Yankees have now gone at least 17 seasons without a World Series title, a franchise-record drought that deepened after their elimination in the American League Division Series. In the immediate aftermath, captain Aaron Judge made a pointed public endorsement of a teammate whose role has been anything but settled: infielder Anthony Volpe.

“If we were gonna go win a World Series, we need Anthony Volpe on the team,” Judge said, according to reports from the Yankees’ clubhouse following the ALDS loss.

Por que importa

The statement lands at a moment of uncertainty for the Yankees’ infield. Volpe, once hailed as a blue-chip shortstop prospect and compared to franchise icon Derek Jeter, was sent back to the minor leagues during the 2025 season after prolonged offensive struggles. He returned later in the year and shifted to second base, where his defense drew praise. Judge cited improvements in both Volpe’s offense and defense as reasons for his confidence.

Volpe’s path back to a regular role appears clearer with the likely departure of Jazz Chisholm. The 27-year-old infielder, who entered 2025 in a contract year, struggled at the plate and was booed by the home crowd during his final at-bat in Game 3 of the ALDS. The Yankees started Volpe at second base over Chisholm in the regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Rays, signaling a shift in organizational trust. Other teams are expected to offer Chisholm a larger contract than the Yankees are willing to match, given his basestealing ability even in a down year.

Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|——|——–|
| Yankees’ World Series drought | At least 17 seasons, a new franchise record |
| Judge’s endorsement | Stated Volpe must be on the team to win a title |
| Volpe’s 2025 trajectory | Demoted to minors, returned, shifted to second base |
| Chisholm’s likely exit | Contract year struggles, booed in final ALDS at-bat |

Judge’s public backing of Volpe carries weight beyond a simple vote of confidence. As the best hitter in the league and the face of the franchise, his words influence both the clubhouse and the front office. However, recent months have seen Judge draw scrutiny for similar past endorsements. Fans on social media have pointed to his previous praise of Chisholm and of Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon as players who would be great additions — neither of whom has yet delivered a championship in pinstripes.

Tensions between Judge and Yankees management have also surfaced. Reports indicate that front-office executives are displeased with Judge publicly urging the franchise to increase its spending. The captain’s outspokenness on roster decisions has created an unusual dynamic for a player who is not in the front office but whose voice carries the weight of a $360 million contract and two MVP awards.

If Volpe fails to develop into the everyday second baseman Judge envisions, it could become another point of friction. The organization already views top prospect George Lombard Jr. as the long-term answer at shortstop, a position Volpe was originally groomed to hold. Volpe’s future in New York may now depend on how well he adapts to second base and whether his offense can sustain the level Judge has publicly predicted.

For the Yankees, the offseason ahead involves difficult roster decisions. Chisholm is expected to depart. The outfield and pitching staff also face questions. Judge, who missed the entire 2025 postseason due to injury, will return as the undisputed leader of a team that has repeatedly fallen short of its championship goal. His endorsement of Volpe is not just a personal vote — it is a public stake in the shape of the 2026 roster.

Volpe’s defensive work at second base during September and the ALDS gave the Yankees a reliable option up the middle. Whether he can hit consistently enough to hold a starting job will determine if Judge’s faith is rewarded. For now, the captain has made his position clear: the Yankees cannot win without Anthony Volpe.

Source: Yahoo Sports (https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/aaron-judge-says-yankees-polarizing-034434273.html)

Datos clave