Is the New York Yankees' error-prone defense sustainable?
originally appeared on The Sporting News

In a close defeat to the Houston Astros last night, the Yankees' defense committed another error. Although this error wouldn't end up costing New York the victory, Yankees' errors this season have become all too common.

Thus far in the season, the New York Yankees rank ninth in errors committed and rank 21st in fielding percentage. Not to mention, the team has two infielders who rank in the top 10 in errors committed. Anthony Volpe is second in the majors with 18 errors and Jazz Chisholm is tied for seventh with 14. 

Surprisingly, the Yankees rank 11th in defensive runs saved, but this stat is not indicative of the everyday performers on the field. The New York Yankees have a total of less than five defensive runs saved at every position except pitcher. At the pitcher position, the Yankees' pitching staff has recorded 16 defensive runs saved, the most in baseball by any pitching staff. Their tactics are quite solid as well, with shifts and non-shifts accounting for 20 DRS. 

With all of that being said, the Yankees' lack of individual skill defensively shows on the field. Giancarlo Stanton being forced to the field with Aaron Judge's injury magnifies this issue, however this is more than just a recent problem. 

Last season en route to a World Series appearance, the Yankees finished tied for sixth in errors committed and 21st in fielding percentage. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has defended Volpe, Chisholm, and the Yankees' defense throughout the season but the statistics prove that their performance is simply indefensible. 

So far in 2025, the Yankees score a league-leading 5.27 runs per game and still remain in the hunt for the American League East division title. For a team that finished runner up last season, perhaps their best defense is offense.

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