Yankees-Braves Trade Proposal Would Swap Anthony Volpe for $35 Million All-Star
Advanced statistics have favored Volpe since his 2023 debut, with him posting 8.2 bWAR over his first 364 games. However, the 24-year-old shortstop doesn't always pass the eye test, with his .228 career average and .672 OPS often infuriating the Yankees' loyal fanbase.
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The Yankees have stuck by Volpe throughout his struggles, from missed opportunities at the plate to inconsistent fielding. But if the Yankees ever considered moving in another direction, they'd be wise to call the Atlanta Braves about a potential Volpe-Ozzie Albies swap.
To be clear, there have been no credible trade rumors thus far regarding either player. Volpe entered Tuesday with a career-high .745 OPS over 192 plate appearances, and his 1.5 bWAR trails only Aaron Judge (3.7) among Yankees hitters.
Albies, a three-time All-Star and lifelong Brave, owns a .225 average, five homers, and 17 RBI in 47 games. The 28-year-old has posted 0.2 bWAR and a career-worst .616 OPS across 204 plate appearances on a Braves team finally finding its momentum—and that in itself could inspire Atlanta to propose a bold trade.
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Albies only has two seasons remaining on the seven-year, $35 million extension he inked in 2019. However, the Braves—or, alternatively, any team that acquires Albies in the coming months—have two team options, each with a $4 million buyout.
Trading Volpe, who is under team control through 2028, is incredibly dangerous. The Yankees don't have reliable depth behind Volpe, and the thought of moving starting third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera to short ended last week following a severe ankle injury.
Albies has only played second base in the majors, which would likely force Jazz Chisholm back to third. Chisholm, a natural second baseman, primarily played the hot corner after joining the Yankees last summer.
Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie AlbiesBrett Davis-Imagn Images
Although Chisholm has experience at shortstop, he hasn't played there since 2021. It's unclear whether or not he'd consider moving back to shortstop if the Yankees acquired Albies.
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Trading Volpe also opens the door for top prospect George Lombard Jr. to take the reins at shortstop as early as next year. That's excellent news for Yankees fans, even as Lombard struggled to a 6-for-33 start at Double-A Somerset.
The thought of Albies in pinstripes is tempting, especially with the two club options. However, it wouldn't be worth giving up Volpe, at least not this season.
Now, if the two teams were to have that conversation at the Winter Meetings, that's a much different conversation...
Related: Braves Trade Proposal Sends Former No. 4 Prospect to Mediocre Blue Jays
Related: Radio Host Makes Major Aaron Judge Accusation Amid Juan Soto's Actions
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