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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 12: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium on June 12, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)

The Anthony Volpe-New York Yankees situation keeps getting hairier by the day. Manager Aaron Boone sidestepped the Volpe questions again on Sunday afternoon, which makes it more likely that Anthony Volpe will be optioned on Monday when his rehab assignment runs out, and the Yankees will stick with Jose Caballero at shortstop.

So, what does this mean for Anthony Volpe? And should a trade be on the horizon? It doesn’t make much sense for New York to keep Volpe in the minors, and a trade might benefit both parties. With the rumors suggesting the Yankees may target another leverage reliever, Anthony Volpe may be able to help obtain that.

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Yankees-Cardinals Trade Idea Swaps Anthony Volpe for JoJo Romero

GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 28: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees in action against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on August 28, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

In this recent MLB mock trade idea by HeavySports.com, the Yankees trade away Anthony Volpe to the St. Louis Cardinals for southpaw reliever JoJo Romero. If there’s one thing the Yankees need, it’s another lefty reliever for the bullpen.

Once Volpe is officially optioned to the minors, his trade speculation is going to take off, because it’s become clear the Yankees are just fine without him. New York holds, by far, the best record in the American League with a 22-11 mark. They are currently finishing up a weekend series with the Baltimore Orioles.

JoJo Romero garnered a lot of trade speculation over the offseason, and it’s fair to assume his name will gain some buzz in the coming months. He’s a seven-year MLB veteran who has posted strong numbers with the Cardinals in recent seasons. In 16 innings pitched this season, Romero has an ERA of 3.94. In 2025, Romero posted a 2.07 ERA over 60+ innings.

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Should the Yankees Make this Trade?

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 03: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees reacts against the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium on July 03, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Again, the Anthony Volpe situation just seems to be trending in the wrong direction for the controversial Yankees infielder.

Jack Curry of YESTV said (on Sunday):

“The indications that I’m getting from talking to people around the Yankees… is that the Yankees are not going to move forward & promote Volpe to the Major Leagues. Not just yet.”

Anthony Volpe tore his labrum at some point last season and had to undergo offseason shoulder surgery.

Volpe hit just .212 last season and is already kinda struggling during his minor league rehab stint with a batting average under .250.

Trading him could be beneficial for both sides, and even if the Cardinals don’t want to make this deal, the Yankees should still explore suitors that have a bullpen arm they are willing to give up. As the summer months approach, more relievers will develop into trade candidates.

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