All 30 teams made their picks in the 2025 MLB Draft on Sunday. The New York Yankees picked two players, and as soon as the news hit, it created a wave of funny digs from the bleacher creatures. Who ended up in the spotlight? Not those new picks, but the current shortstop Anthony Volpe.
The tables turned on Volpe because the Yankees didn’t pick just one but two shortstops. Fans didn’t waste a second building a connection behind that decision. Especially when the struggles of the current shortstop are out in the open in the Bronx. He has a career batting average of just .225 with 43 home runs, 169 RBIs, and 62 stolen bases. This season, however, he has fallen to .214 with a .671 OPS since June 23, has made several mistakes, and his OPS has dropped to .695.
This Sunday in the Bronx felt less like a ballgame and more like a test for Anthony Volpe—a test with no right answers. The young shortstop found himself marooned at the plate, going 0-for-3 and watching his batting line sink further. But it wasn’t just the bat that betrayed him. In the seventh inning, with the Yankees still clawing for hope, Volpe fielded a grounder and fired to first—only to see his throw bounce and allow a run to score.
All he could manage to say about his performance thus far was: “I’m excited for the second half, to just help the team every night. Like I said, there’s a lot of room for improvement there.” And that’s why the addition of two shortstops adds an interesting layer to Volpe’s ongoing struggle. As Yankees have many times made it clear that they aren’t settling for average.
The Bronx chose shortstop Dax Kilby from Newnan High School in Georgia with their first pick (39th overall). This is the second time in three years that they’ve spent their first pick on a high school shortstop. In the third round, they used another one of their picks in drafting a shortstop that set off a frenzy of speculation among fans: Kaeden Kent.
Yankees have drafted shortstop Kaeden Kent out of Texas A&M in the third round
Kaeden is the son of former MLB star Jeff Kent pic.twitter.com/cUij092tpL
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) July 14, 2025
Does the name ‘Kent’ sound familiar? Apparently, Kaeden is the son of former MLB player Jeff Kent and played for Texas A&M. The pedigree runs deep, but it was not the sole reason. His numbers are quite impressive. He hit .279/.398/.544 with 13 home runs and 13 doubles in 56 games at Texas A&M. He also drove in 49 runs and scored 52 runs.
Meanwhile, Kilby’s performance speaks for itself. In 99 spring at-bats, he hit .495 with 5 home runs, 11 doubles, and 4 triples. He also won the MVP award in the state finals after running a 30-yard dash in 3.55 seconds.
Can it still be called a coincidence, especially when a team drafts two shortstops while their current starter is struggling at the plate? It conveys a message more powerful than any press conference. Fans have figured things out faster than Volpe’s ground ball to first base.
‘Count your days, volpiss’– A digital hilarious jab from fans
The selection of two SS became a direct commentary on Anthony Volpe. Well, Yanks connected the dots, “They’re doing literally whatever they can to get rid of Volpe im crying .” Fans interpret this as a clear sign, not just skill stacking by the team. With Volpe’s ongoing struggles, they believe management is paying attention to not leave anything to chance in the second half of the season.
PITTSBURGH, PA – APRIL 04: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the home opener at PNC Park on April 4, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Are Vople’s days over? A comment read, “Count your days Volpiss.” Fans think Volpe’s grasp on short is loosening quickly, and the fact that two rookies are on that radar feels like a countdown. Although he believes there’s “room for improvement.” But when will those improvements be seen?
A bold declaration! Not even waiting for them to sign the deal, “Already better then Volpe.” It looks like patience is running thin, and many believe these new additions could be a better option, especially given their batting averaging of .279 (Kaeden Kent) and .495 (Dax Kilby).
A push from the front office! “Yo @JLas43_ Someone on the Yankees is sending a strong message .” Earlier, it looked like there was no urgency when GM Brian Cashman made it clear that Volpe would be the SS. But the draft pick is telling a different story.
A lineup of advice. “They might as well start him over Volpe at this point.” It’s a bold statement, but it fits with what fans’ growing frustration. Volpe’s slump isn’t just bad, it’s unacceptable.
Fans are sure that a change is coming because of the Yankees’ draft pick. Do you think Volpe still has a chance to turn things around, or did the draft picks seal his fate?
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