Radio Host Labels Struggling $5 Million Yankees Shortstop as 'Bust'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Offense has been tough to come by for the Yankees lately.
The Bronx Bombers scored five runs in their last six games -- including being shutout in three straight.
The entire lineup isn't having success, and the Yankees are slowly losing their lead in the American League East. However, one radio host believes Anthony Volpe is part of the problem and calling him a bust.
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 16: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees in action during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium on June 16, 2025 in New York, New...
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 16: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees in action during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium on June 16, 2025 in New York, New York. More
New"Anthony Volpe has been a bust, I don't know why everyone is afraid to say it," said Sal Licata on WFAN Tuesday morning. "Why? Is it because he's a local kid? Relative to the expectation, he's a nice kid and he's a great defensive player, so I understand that. Relative to the expectation he had coming up, he has been a massive bust. Like it's become acceptable just because he's become a serviceable shortstop?"
Let's break this down. Volpe has had two full seasons in Major League Baseball, and he's produced 1.9 and 3.4 fWAR, respectively. So far this year, he's produced 1.6 fWAR. He's on pace for 3.6 fWAR this season.
According to the FanGraphs library, a player is considered a "good player" if they fall between 3-4 fWAR. For context, the next category is "All-Star" at 4-5 fWAR.
Statistically, Volpe has been far from a bust. However, Licata doubled down on his take.
"No way Brian Cashman is happy with Anthony Volpe in year three, there's no way," said Licata. "He'd be lying if he said anything other than that."
Why would a general manager not be happy with a 3.5-4 fWAR shortstop? Sure, he may not be as good as scouts and projections showed he could have been.
Saying he's a bad player and labeling him as a bust is just disingenuous, but telling the truth doesn't draw attention the way steaming hot takes such as this one does.
More MLB: Red Sox Given 'C-Minus' Grade for 'Underwhelming' Rafael Devers Trade Return
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