The Yankees’ top defensive plays of July

August 2, 2026 - 01:07

The Yankees have always hung their hat on power at the plate, but in July, it was the leather that kept them in ballgames. While the bats went through stretches of quiet, the defense provided the spark that kept the team within striking distance in the American League East.

Anthony Volpe continued to show why he is a Gold Glove candidate at shortstop. His range up the middle is one thing, but his arm strength on the run is another. A particular play against the Orioles stands out, where he ranged deep into the hole, planted his back foot, and threw a dart to first to rob a hit that would have scored a run. That kind of play changes the momentum of an inning.

In the outfield, Juan Soto made a pair of sliding catches that saved extra bases, but the real highlight came from Aaron Judge. He tracked a ball to the warning track in right-center, crashed into the wall, and held on for the final out of a one-run game. It was a reminder that even at his size, he moves with surprising grace.

The infield corners also stepped up. Jazz Chisholm, still learning third base, made a barehanded grab and throw that looked like a veteran's play. And behind the plate, Austin Wells threw out two runners in one game, cutting down the running game that had been a weakness.

It is not always pretty, but in July, the glove work was a constant. If the pitching holds up, this defense could be the difference in October.