The Yankees have an Anthony Volpe problem, and former MLB manager Joe Maddon thinks they should look to the Mets for the answers on how to fix it.

In a spot on the MLB Network on Thursday, Maddon floated a bold idea for the Yankees. Something that could inspire Volpe to play better.

“Listen, I’m a Volpe fan,” Maddon said, via X/Twitter. “I really am, but I think there’s got to be some consideration and thought or talking about him possibly going back down, just like they did with Alvarez with the Mets.”

After an extended stretch of poor performance, the Mets decided it was time to challenge Alvarez, unexpectedly demoting him to the minor leagues in June.

In Triple-A, Alvarez abandoned his completely revamped swing and returned to what made him the catcher who led the National League with 23 home runs in 2023.

It resulted in him going 20-for-67 (.299 batting average) while posting a 1.233 OPS behind 11 home runs and 24 RBIs in 19 games.

This weekend, the Mets recalled Alvarez from Triple-A and witnessed a “changed player.”,

In two games against the Los Angeles Angels this week, Alvarez went 2-for-6 with a double, a home run, and two RBIs. He delivered the game-winning hit on Monday and then drilled a 374-footer into the seats in left field to tie the game on Tuesday.

Alvarez’s demotion worked in his and the Mets’ favor, and Maddon feels the same is possible for the Yankees.

“The guy looks like he needs to reset a little bit mentally as much as anything,” Maddon continued. “For me, slow the game down, get your fundamentals back, back together, breathe again, and in the meantime, just get somebody to catch the ball.”

Volpe is tied with the lowest batting average (.214) with a minimum of 350 plate appearances in MLB. He’s committed the most errors (13) in the AL and ranks 22nd of 25 shortstops in outs above average (-4) with a minimum of 800 innings.

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Manny Gómez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com.

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