As I've Stated Before, The Yankees Need Ha-seong Kim

Here’s the bottom line — Anthony Volpe ain’t that guy. He’s not the golden child we were sold, he’s the clearance-rack version of what the Yankees hyped him up to be. And honestly, the front office should be embarrassed. Brian Cashman struts around like a man allergic to self-awareness, snapping at reporters every time someone mentions how awful the season was — like he’s the victim. Newsflash, Brian: the only thing more defensive than Volpe’s shoulder is you.

Now, let’s talk solutions. Last year, I said the Yankees should go after Ha-Seong Kim, and what do you know — it makes even more sense now. I said it before, I’ll say it again: Kim is what you’d create in a video game if you maxed out every defensive slider and then sprinkled in actual baseball IQ. Meanwhile, the Yankees are still pretending Volpe is the second coming of Jeter, when he’s really just Tyler Wade with better PR.

Here’s the reality: Volpe’s out with shoulder surgery, which the Yankees conveniently mentioned as the season ended. Oh, so that’s why he couldn’t hit a fastball? Give me a break. They’re babying this kid like he’s a Fabergé egg.

Meanwhile, Kim’s over there being a grown man. He can play anywhere — short, second, third, probably even first base if you handed him a glove and said “figure it out.” Sure, he only played 48 games this year for Atlanta, hit .234, but his defense? Absolutely filthy. Gold Glove in 2023. Finalist again in 2024. The guy makes routine plays look boring and impossible plays look like a warm-up drill.

And let’s not forget Ryan McMahon — Cashman’s midseason “masterstroke.” A trade that screamed “Oh crap, I forgot to do my homework.” McMahon’s big impact? None. Zero. Zilch. The man’s bat went colder than Yankee Stadium in April.

So why are we clinging to Volpe like he’s a family heirloom? Because the Yankees love a good narrative — “homegrown hero,” “the future,” “we believe in the kid.” Cute story. Doesn’t win championships.

Ha-Seong Kim gives you real, adult baseball: elite defense, smart base running, versatility, and no drama. He won’t hit .300, but he’ll save you enough runs to make up for it — which is more than Volpe can say.

So, Cashman — and I say this with love (and rage) — put the binder down, stop overthinking it, and get Kim. Because what the Yankees need right now isn’t another “maybe someday” — it’s someone who can actually play ball today.