Heading into the 2025 MLB season, the New York Yankees were expecting a breakout year from 24-year-old shortstop Anthony Volpe. That has not been the case.

Volpe hasn't been horrible. There are ways that the season could be going worse. However, there are a lot of reasons for concern and the Yankees' fan base is growing incredibly frustrated.

Throughout the 139 games he has played for New York this season, Volpe has hit 19 home runs to go along with 70 RBI. He has recorded a slash line of .208/.271/.398. Those numbers aren't going to get the job done.

At one point in time, Volpe was viewed as a future superstar. That potential is still very much alive, but he has yet to show why he received that kind of hype.

While the Yankees' fan base continue to worry, one team legend had a strong message to send about Volpe.

C.C. Sabathia spoke out with a strong take about the young shortstop. He thinks that Volpe should be given time to develop and that fans should not be so harsh.

“You know what’s crazy? I think it’s like people need to relax,” Sabathia said.

“I just watch, like you know. Miguel Andujar got ran out of here because we said he couldn’t catch ground balls. I mean, that guy’s still playing in the big leagues today. It’s hard to develop young talent here. Just because of the demand, right? Like, we’re trying to win the World Series every year. You don’t have time for guys to go through growing pains. I mean, I feel like Gary Sanchez could still be catching for us if we had patience. If we were able to … like if … as a fan base, as a city, let let these kids go through whatever they’re going to go through. The game’s hard to play, man. It’s very difficult.”

Volpe hasn't just struggled at the plate. He also leads the entire American League with 18 errors.

A lot of work will need to be done for him to turn things around. Thankfully, he's just 24 years old with plenty of career ahead of him. There is reason for concern, but no reason to panic.

With the regular season winding down quickly, New York has World Series hopes. Volpe will still need to be a big part of that equation. The hope is simply that he can figure things out and work his way through the struggles.

Only time will tell, but Sabathia clearly still believes in Volpe. Perhaps this message will help the Yankees' fan base calm down just a bit and give the youngster a bit more time to develop.