In the midst of the ugliness that has been Yankees baseball in recent weeks, there has been a bit of a bright spot.
Anthony Volpe has seemed to have hit an offensive stride. The 24-year-old recorded four hits during the Bombers’ worst loss of the season against the Miami Marlins on Saturday night, including his 17th homer of the season and 23rd double.
“Just being simple and aggressive,” said Volpe. “And it’s paying off, so I’m just going to stick with it. Just looking for my pitch and I’m convincted and confident that I’m going to get it and that’s what I’m preparing for. I’m not really thinking about all of the other stuff about what they may do and looking for what I want to hit and it’s been good.”
In 14 games since the All-Star break, the shortstop is slashing 280/.315/.720 with seven homers and 11 RBI. His seven homers in that span are tied for the MLB lead with Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber. His homer in Friday night’s game made him the first Yankee in history to have 50 homers and 50 stolen bases in his first three seasons.
Volpe’s approach has seemingly shifted to pulling the ball in the air — he has increased the attack angle by 13 degrees since the break — and it has heralded unquestionable results.
However, this is not the first time Volpe has come firing out of the break. In 2024, he slashed .373/.383/.695 with 5 homers and 12 RBI in his first 14 games out of the All-Star break. The head-scratching nature of Volpe’s season has led to boo’s and hot takes around Yankee universe, particularly because of his defense.
The 2023 Gold Glove award winner ranks in the 4th percentile in Outs Above Average in with -6 while leading baseball in errors. That’s a complete reversal from his 2024 campaign, where his 14 OAA ranked in the 97th percentile in baseball as he was unquestionably one of the best defenders in the league.
“Clearly, he’s gone through some struggles here and in some key moments not made some plays,” said manager Aaron Boone. “I think Anthony’s super tough, and I think he’s wired for this. We think of slumps or struggles more [on offense], it happens with even really good players on that side of the ball.”
The Bombers even added utility man Jose Caballero as a bit of Volpe insurance should his defensive struggles continue, however, if Volpe continues to hit for power — especially in the clutch fashion he’s done it — he will slowly rise off the hot seat in Yankees universe.
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