Yankees have two Anthony Volpe options with clock ticking & José Caballero clicking

That’s not something Volpe has done with any consistency over his three big league seasons.

“It complicates it a little bit, clearly,” Boone said of Caballero’s impact on Volpe with the Yankees off to a 20-11, first-place start. “José has earned opportunities and been a key part of our club and a part of our success here to start out the season, so that’s part of it.

“One of the good things that’s happened for us as a team through spring training, and now in the early parts of the season, is we have a lot of really good players and depth competing for important roles and spots on the club. José is part of that. Anthony, we expect, to be part of that as well.”

Boone also complimented Caballero’s defense at shortstop, saying it’s “been arguably as good as anyone in the league.”

While Volpe is coming off a disastrous season in the field, Caballero’s six Defensive Runs Saved — that’s Boone’s preferred public defensive metric — led all shortstops entering Friday. He also had two Outs Above Average and a Fielding Run Value of one.

Caballero, meanwhile, said that it “does help a lot” to play one position every day — something he didn’t do much in his first three big league seasons — and that he hasn’t had much time to practice at other spots.

But when asked where he feels most comfortable, Caballero quickly said “everywhere,” and that he just wants to be in the lineup. If that means Volpe starting at shortstop while he moves around on a daily basis, Caballero is all for it.

“I’m fine,” Caballero said, “and if we win games, I’m more than happy.”

Caballero also said that the Yankees haven’t shared their plans with him.

“That’s not my decision to make,” he said when asked if he expects to keep starting at short. “I’m just here to try to help my team win and do my best helping my team. That’s all we care about here. Just winning.”

Whether Volpe will also get a chance to help the Yankees win soon remains to be seen.

Boone did say that he thinks Volpe is “ready,” and that the shortstop has communicated that to him and Cashman. However, with Volpe still shy of a full spring training workload and Caballero thriving, the Yankees don’t need to rush him.

Still, a minor league demotion would be somewhat surprising on Monday, though less so than it would have been a week or two ago. Such a move could come with an added consequence for Volpe, as his free agency would be delayed from 2028 to 2029 if he spends another 20 days in the minors.

While the Yankees don’t seem to be motivated by service time manipulation, that is important to note with a decision on Volpe looming.

“We feel like he’s going to be a big part of this team,” Boone said before adding, “He absolutely feels like he’s ready to go and contribute here. So we’ll ultimately make that decision when we think it’s best for not only him, but the club.”