Back in April, WFAN host Sal Licata got called out by a listener who argued that the New York media plays a big role in why some athletes struggle here. The caller further pointed to Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe as an example, saying all the extra scrutiny can weigh on young players. Notably, now in his third big-league season, the 24-year-old is still trying to find his footing at the plate. Despite once being ranked as a top-10 prospect in baseball heading into 2023. And honestly, the caller had a point!

He’s leading the majors with 17 errors this season, which has only fueled speculation about the pressure he’s under. Recently, another MLB insider even echoed concerns that all the outside noise could be getting to him.

“I feel bad for Anthony Volpe. Send him to a sports psychologist. Give him the week off. The fans and media have murdered him. He is barely breathing,” YankeesPod host Jimmy Randazzo shared.

Yankees already have mental skills coaches on staff, and some believe that working closely with one, or even a clinical psychologist, might help Volpe block out the noise and find his rhythm again.

Reportedly, over the weekend, after Volpe’s league-leading 17th error, Aaron Boone sat him down for two games, calling it a reset.

But the break hasn’t sparked much improvement.

Since coming back Tuesday, Volpe has gone 0-for-9 and hasn’t picked up a hit or even a walk since August 19. And over his last seven games, he’s hit .000 in 23 at-bats. Thus, dragging his season numbers down to .204/.269/.393 with 18 HRs.

Now, with the mounting errors, the boos from the fans, and the daily media pressure, the Yankees clubhouse might be the only safe space left for Volpe right now.

Volpe still got the Yankees’ backing

Aaron Judge summed it up, “We’re all humans,” when asked about how Anthony Volpe is handling the rough stretch.

Additionally, manager Aaron Boone noted that Volpe hasn’t been getting into his usual hitting position at the plate but still made sure to praise his defense despite the offensive struggles.

Giancarlo Stanton, who’s been through his fair share of slumps and boos in New York, said climbing out of it is all about mentality.

“The most frustrating part of when I’ve gone through tough times is the mental part,” Stanton explained. “He works as hard as anyone. We’re all supporting him.”

And to be fair, the work is showing in flashes.

Notably, on Tuesday, Volpe ripped a 106-mph drive to the warning track in center. It then followed it up on Wednesday with a 103-mph liner to third in his first at-bat. So, the contact is there, and now it’s just a matter of turning it into results.

And well, the Yankees clubhouse is the last pit stop for Volpe in his southward journey.