Yankees Face Fan Frustration Over Four Underperforming Players as Trade Deadline Looms

The Yankees are 43-27, but shortstop Anthony Volpe, catcher Austin Wells, reliever Jake Bird and DH Giancarlo Stanton have drawn fan criticism for low output and repeated IL stints.

FanSided

Volpe: .211 AVG, 1 HR, 9 RBI, .317 OBP, 5 extra-base hits in 82 AB.

Heavy

Wells: .166 AVG, framing.

FanSided

Bird: 1.429 WHIP, quality strikeouts but high ERA.

FanSided

Stanton: IL with calf injury, possible reinjury.

FanSided

Rice: .233/.340/.395, 105 wRC+.

Sports Illustrated

Brazobán (Mets): 2.02 ERA, 35 2/3 IP, 21.9 % K%.

Sports Illustrated

Fans have repeatedly listed Volpe, Wells, Bird and Stanton as the most frustrating Yankees players this season, citing the gap between early hype—especially the expectation that Volpe would become the next Derek Jeter—and current performance.

Heavy

GM Brian Cashman says the club will evaluate shortstop, catcher and bullpen options before the July deadline, has ruled out a high-cost trade for Stanton, may consider adding shortstop CJ Abrams if the price is right, and expects Volpe to stay on the roster until the next call-up, possibly when Trent Grisham returns. Manager Aaron Boone stresses depth and competitiveness despite injuries.

FanSided

Critics argue the team over-relies on players whose output falls short of their contracts: Volpe’s failure to emulate Derek Jeter is deemed unrealistic, Wells’ offense is insufficient for a starter, and Bird’s 1.429 WHIP marks him as a bullpen liability.

FanSided

One source says Volpe may be demoted to the minors, another says he will remain until the next call-up. Reports differ on Stanton’s timeline, with the club refusing a premium yet offering no clear return date. No concrete trade targets have been identified.

Heavy

Approaching the July deadline, the Yankees will decide on shortstop depth, a possible catching upgrade and bullpen reinforcement. Stanton’s health and the rise of Max Schuemann will shape the final roster.

FanSided

• “Expecting Anthony Volpe to turn into Derek Jeter was always an unrealistic expectation for Yankee fans. Hoping he might become the next Didi Gregorius was a much more attainable goal.” — Rucker Haringey, FanSided writer

Heavy

• “Volpe has not come close to accomplishing either objective. He started this year on the Injured List and has struggled at the plate since rejoining the active roster. Volpe’s only managed to scratch out five extra-base hits in 82 at-bats, which accurately illustrates his offensive struggles. His OBP of just .317 means he’s not getting on base often enough to leverage his above-average speed.” — Rucker Haringey, FanSided writer

Heavy

• “It was between him and Spencer Jones, and right now, we'll never know what the answer would have been once Jasson Domínguez was called up again.” — Yankees On SI (mailbag)

Sports Illustrated

• “He has nine lives, with little to show for it since that 2024 season, when he was just a glove-first player.” — Yankees On SI (mailbag)

Sports Illustrated