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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 19: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees follows through on his eighth inning RBI base hit against the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium on June 19, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees may have a decision to make on shortstop Anthony Volpe, who has actually played well over the last month or so. While the power is down for Volpe, he’s putting the ball in play much more and is a much better situational hitter this season, but how long will it last? That’s the million-dollar question.
New York has already proved it’s able to win with Volpe in the everyday lineup, and it could be beneficial for the Yanks to try and capitalize on his growing value. The Atlanta Braves stand out as a potential suitor due to their need for a middle infielder. Given the Yankees’ need for bullpen support, they could consider sending Anthony Volpe to the Braves in return for one of the Braves’ under-the-radar relievers.
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GettySAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Tyler Kinley #45 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the San Diego Padres in the sixth inning at Petco Park on June 24, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Mike Nowak/Getty Images)
Recently, New York Yankees writer for SI.com Joseph Randazzo named the Braves as a potential trade partner in a deal to offload Anthony Volpe:
“The Braves are in the same position as the Dodgers. They’re a contender who has struggled offensively at the shortstop position for the most part. Right now, their best option is Mauricio Dubón, who is slashing .264/.316/.417 on the season. He has stabilized the position for the most part, but Dubón has never had a full season as an above-average hitter.”
In a piggyback off that idea, the Yankees could ask the Braves for reliever Tyler Kinley in a return haul, and perhaps a low-level prospect as well. Kinley just returned from the IL for the Braves, and he’s been a serviceable reliever over the past few seasons. In 2026, Kinley has an ERA of 3.10 over 32 appearances and 29 innings pitched. He’s on a one-year, $4.5 million deal, and because Anthony Volpe has a few years left of team control, Atlanta might have to include a little more in a deal.
However, regardless of how well Volpe has performed this season, he would certainly be an upgrade over Ha-Seong Kim, who has been atrocious for Atlanta this season.
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GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 31: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees hits an RBI single to score José Caballero #72 against the Athletics in the top of the third inning at Sutter Health Park on May 31, 2026 in Sacramento, California. The Yankees won 13-8. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Yankees fans have grown accustomed to Anthony Volpe struggling and calling for his job, but what if he’s actually been hitting well? Will Volpe get praise for it? He’s recorded five hits in his last five games, and is hitting .267 (would be a career-high) with an OPS+ of 106 (would also be a career-high) scattered across 101 at-bats.
Over the past three seasons, Volpe has struck out 150 times in each campaign, which put him right around a 30-35% strikeout rate, but this season, Volpe has 25 strikeouts in 117 plate appearances.
As Randazzo outlines, maybe it’s a good time to capitalize on his trade value, but in the same breath, perhaps the 25-year-old Volpe has turned a corner in his development.
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TJ French covers the MLB for Heavy. TJ is a graduate of the University of Georgia. He has 2+ years of writing experience. Follow TJ French on X: @tj_french5 More about TJ French
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