Here’s an inside look at some issues facing the Yankees as the 2026 season approaches:

The battle itself may not actually happen in camp, but the groundwork could be laid for it as José Caballero is expected to get the majority of the work at shortstop as Anthony Volpe continues to rehab from left shoulder surgery.

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Volpe is expected to start hitting by mid-February, but the Yankees have already said he is unlikely to play in April.

The belief is that Volpe will get a runway to prove he should still be the everyday shortstop once he does return, but Caballero could make the decision harder for the Yankees by putting in a strong spring and then getting off to a hot start in the regular season.