Analyst urges Yankees to trade Volpe following Jeter podcast remarks
Sports analyst Adam Schein has called for the New York Yankees to move on from Anthony Volpe, citing poor performance metrics and suggesting General Manager Brian Cashman is retaining the player to save face after his 2019 draft selection.
Sports analyst Adam Schein has publicly urged the New York Yankees to trade shortstop Anthony Volpe, interpreting recent comments by Yankees legend Derek Jeter as a lack of confidence in the player’s major league viability. The call to action follows an appearance by Jeter on Schein’s “The Schein Time” podcast, where the franchise icon discussed the team’s internal perspective on Volpe.
During the broadcast, Jeter stated that the organisation is “very high on Anthony Volpe” and is banking on his “big upside,” although he admitted he does not know the shortstop well personally, having only shared a few conversations with him. Schein interpreted this lack of personal connection as a significant indicator that Volpe does not belong in the major leagues, despite the team’s continued public support.
Schein argued that General Manager Brian Cashman is keeping Volpe in the starting lineup to “save face” after selecting him in the first round of the 2019 MLB draft. The analyst claimed that the front office is rationalising the high draft pick by placing Volpe on a pedestal, suggesting that the player’s retention is driven by institutional inertia rather than on-field merit.
Statistical data supports the criticism of Volpe’s performance. Over the last four years, the shortstop has hit .224 with an OPS of .662, figures that sit below league-average production for an everyday player. This season, Volpe has hit .246 with one home run, six doubles, and an OPS+ of 89 over 138 at-bats, while facing scrutiny regarding his hitting, fielding, and baserunning fundamentals.
Concurrently, the Atlanta Braves have expressed interest in acquiring a shortstop, creating potential trade avenues. Heavy journalist TJ French proposed a deal sending Volpe to Atlanta in exchange for infielder Jim Jarvis and right-handed pitcher Garrett Baumann. With infielder Jose Caballero cited as an upgrade at the position, the Yankees may consider such a move to acquire draft or prospects capital.
