Former Manager Joe Maddon Suggests Bold Move For Red Sox Rival

Joe Maddon encouraged the New York Yankees to make a significant roster change.

The Yankees addressed their biggest infield need by acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies on Friday. However, Maddon previously suggested that New York should acquire help at another position with a supposed locked-in starter.

During Thursday’s appearance on MLB Network, the two-time World Series champion said the Yankees should send a slumping Anthony Volpe down to the minors.

“I’m a Volpe fan. I really am, but I think there’s got to be some consideration, or thought or talking about him possibly going back down,” Maddon told a surprised Brian Kenny.

Maddon thinks the Yankees should trade for a short-term stopgap to replace Volpe, who’s played 420 games since making the Opening Day Roster in 2023.

“He’s going to be a very good player for years to come,” Maddon said. “But in the meantime, his confidence is at an all-time low. I would look for a veteran shortstop available. Somebody that can catch the ball. I would just do that temporarily. Send him down. Let him get straightened out. He’s gonna come back very soon.”

The three-time Manager of the Year made his case by pointing to a similar move from the Yankees’ crosstown rival. New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez homered in his second game back from a demotion on Tuesday.

Volpe is batting .145/.171/.343 in 18 games this month. The Yankees have tolerated his offensive inconsistency because of his Gold Glove defense, but the 24-year-old has committed the most errors (13) of any American League fielder with minus-4 outs above average this season.

“I’ve seen him make a lot of mistakes that he shouldn’t be making,” Maddon said. “…Guy looks like he needs a reset a little bit. Mentally, as much as anything, for me. Slow the game down. Get your fundamentals back together. Breathe again.”

It’d be surprising if the Yankees took Maddon’s advice and had a new shortstop when hosting the Boston Red Sox for a four-game series starting on Aug. 21.