Yankees news: Optimism at shortstop
2026 looks promising at shortstop; Carlos Lagrange was electric this spring; Michael Kay defends Judge
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 11: José Caballero #72 of the New York Yankees throws the ball during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 11, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images ESPN | Buster Olney : Shortstop has not been all that much fun the past few seasons, reaching a nadir in 2025 when Anthony Volpe struggled his way to an 83 OPS+ while also slipping defensively from his first two seasons in the big leagues.
But as spring training approaches its end, Buster Olney is optimistic that 2026 could be different. First, José Caballero played really well after the Yanks acquired him and he’s set to hold down shortstop at least until Volpe is healthy. Second, Olney notes that top prospect George Lombard, Jr.
waits in the wings. Despite being ticketed to start the season back at Double-A, it’s not impossible he could be part of the plan at shortstop as soon as this summer. MLB | Thomas Harrigan : Carlos Lagrange has arguably been the best part of Yankee spring training this year.
Almost unhittable, Lagrange’s eye-popping velocity and movement have been on display all spring. The fastball peaked at 103. 1-mph.