What Yankees’ Ryan McMahon Experiment Means for Anthony Volpe

The New York Yankees are making waves during Spring Training with some intriguing positional experiments, and one that stands out involves Ryan McMahon. While McMahon, a seasoned infielder, has been primarily known for his time at third base with the Colorado Rockies, the Yankees have started to test him out at positions he has less experience with, including shortstop.

Though McMahon has logged 675 starts at third base since his debut in 2017, he’s only appeared in two games at shortstop during his career. This decision is raising some eyebrows, especially given that McMahon has yet to start a big-league game at the position. Why would the Yankees experiment with a player in this way, especially when their starting shortstop, Anthony Volpe, is dealing with an injury?

The Injury Situation with Anthony Volpe

At just 24 years old, Anthony Volpe has been one of the Yankees’ most exciting young players. He has played every one of his 470 career games at shortstop, making it clear that the position is his to command. However, Volpe’s recent injury — which is expected to keep him sidelined for at least the first month of the season — has thrown a wrench in the Yankees’ plans.

Missing both March and April is not ideal for any everyday starter, especially for someone like Volpe, whose offensive struggles have been a key area of focus. Despite his promise defensively, Volpe has faced criticism for his lack of consistency at the plate. This is where Ryan McMahon’s versatility comes into play.

Is McMahon Being Groomed to Replace Volpe?

While it’s still early to draw any definitive conclusions, the Yankees’ decision to move McMahon to shortstop seems to suggest they’re preparing for the possibility of needing an alternative at the position, at least in the short term. McMahon, although not a stellar hitter, brings value with his defensive capabilities and ability to play multiple positions. His ability to take over shortstop, even for a short period, could allow the Yankees to keep some flexibility in their lineup, especially with Volpe’s injury.

It’s also worth noting that McMahon’s experience at second base could also help him in his quest to fill a gap in New York’s infield. The Yankees’ lineup is constantly shifting, and having someone as adaptable as McMahon gives manager Aaron Boone more options when it comes to lineup construction. But is he really a replacement for Volpe in the long run, or is this simply a temporary experiment while Volpe heals?

The Infield Shuffle: Who Else Is in the Mix?

With Volpe out and McMahon shifting between positions, the Yankees have a few other options to fill the void at shortstop in the meantime. Jose Caballero, who was initially set to step in for Volpe, is a solid replacement but isn’t necessarily seen as the long-term answer. His experience is solid, but the Yankees were hoping to land a more established shortstop in the offseason, and missing out on options like Bo Bichette and Corey Seager has left them scrambling a bit.

However, Caballero has played 83 games at third base over his career and has started 33 of those, making him a reasonable choice for short-term fill-in duties. Oswaldo Cabrera and Amed Rosario, who are projected to be on the Yankees’ bench this season, are both very comfortable at third base as well. Cabrera has shown potential in a super-utility role, and Rosario’s defensive flexibility could become crucial as the Yankees look to adjust to the absence of Volpe.

Ultimately, the Yankees’ infield situation is fluid. Moving McMahon to shortstop opens up opportunities at third base, but it also creates a domino effect throughout the lineup. If McMahon excels at short, it could lead to even more changes as the Yankees attempt to maximize their roster depth.

The Long-Term View for McMahon and Volpe

Looking beyond Volpe’s injury, this experiment could also signal the Yankees’ plans for the future. While McMahon might not be a permanent solution at shortstop, his versatility could make him an important piece of the puzzle, especially as the Yankees consider their options down the road. If Volpe’s offensive struggles continue, the Yankees may be forced to consider other alternatives at the position, even though Volpe’s defense has generally been above average.

On the flip side, if McMahon’s move to shortstop proves successful in the short term, the Yankees could decide to utilize him more often at the position, even once Volpe is healthy. For now, McMahon’s experiment is a way to bridge the gap while Volpe recovers, but it also provides the Yankees with a chance to see how McMahon fits into their lineup.

The Uncertainty of Volpe’s Return

The uncertainty surrounding Anthony Volpe’s return to full health puts the Yankees in a precarious position. His performance — both offensively and defensively — has been a big factor in the team’s long-term plans. While his defensive consistency at shortstop is a given, the offensive struggles have been a sticking point. Should he fail to bounce back at the plate, the Yankees will have to continue experimenting with options like McMahon and others to fill the void.

For now, it’s clear that Ryan McMahon is being tested in multiple roles to see where he best fits on the Yankees’ roster. Whether or not he becomes a more permanent solution at shortstop will depend on Volpe’s recovery and the overall performance of the Yankees’ infielders. With the season just around the corner, it’s evident that the Yankees are preparing for a flexible and adaptable infield, one that may shift and evolve as the season progresses.

In the meantime, all eyes will be on how McMahon performs in these new roles and how Volpe recovers. The next few weeks could be pivotal in shaping the Yankees’ infield plans for the 2026 season.