36 to 5: Anthony Volpe’s jump has Yankees’ Boone scratching his head

Follow Us

One week into the 2025 MLB season, the New York Yankees find themselves with a rather delightful puzzle: Anthony Volpe is raking — and it has left manager Aaron Boone searching for answers to reporters’ question.

Coming off a sophomore season that had more growing pains than glories, Volpe has stormed into April with a swing that’s as smooth as it is powerful. He’s hitting the ball to all fields, crushing fastballs, and turning heads not just within the Yankees’ clubhouse but across the league. The stat that’s sparking the biggest stir?

Through the Yankees’ first five games, Volpe has amassed four hits—all of them home runs. This achievement makes him the sixth player, and notably the first shortstop, in franchise history to hit four homers within the team’s initial five games.

This rapid display of power is a stark contrast to Volpe’s 2024 season, where his fourth home run didn’t occur until his 36th game. The accelerated pace underscores a significant evolution in his offensive capabilities but leaves both fans and manager intrigued.

“I think he’s gonna be a good hitter,” Aaron Boone said. “We’ve started to see that, and I felt the playoffs was kind of a coming out party for him, and he carried that work into the offseason, honing his swing. He’s capable of that. Whether that shows up in a ton of power, I don’t know. I just want him to be a good hitter and I think he’s moving towards that.”

Scrappy rookie turns confident catalyst

Volpe’s rookie year was far from a breakout — he slashed .209/.283/.383, with many wondering if he had been promoted too quickly. Despite swiping 24 bags and flashing elite defensive tools at shortstop, the bat lagged far behind. He too often chased high fastballs and seemed outmatched by breaking stuff.

This year, the tide has turned.

Volpe’s early-season eruption leads the Yankees in every major offensive category. He’s already notched eight RBIs and seems poised at the plate, with better swing decisions and sharper pitch recognition. He’s staying back on breaking balls and punishing fastballs he used to foul off or miss altogether.

According to the New York Post, “Anthony Volpe and Aaron Judge are just the second pair of teammates to hit four homers in their first five games — along with Colorado’s Andres Galarraga and Dante Bichette, who did it in 1994.”

Volpe’s most recent home run was particularly dramatic. In a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, with the Yankees trailing in the bottom of the ninth inning, Volpe launched a three-run, opposite-field homer to right field. While the Yankees ultimately fell 4-3, his late-game heroics provided a spark and showcased his clutch potential. ​

Post-game, Volpe remained humble about his contributions, stating, “I put the ball in play and play hard. They’re just going over the fence, which is nice. I want to help the team out.”

This down-to-earth perspective reflects his team-first mentality and dedication to consistent performance.

Role of the ‘Torpedo’ bat in Volpe’s power surge

An intriguing element in Volpe’s early-season surge is his adoption of the innovative “torpedo” bat. Designed by former Yankees analyst and MIT physicist Aaron Leanhardt, this bat features a redistribution of mass closer to the label, enhancing the sweet spot without violating MLB regulations. ​

Volpe’s success with the torpedo bat has not gone unnoticed. Victus Sports, the manufacturer behind the bat, reported a surge in interest following his standout performances.

This technological advancement may be contributing to Volpe’s enhanced power and could signal a broader trend in bat design adoption across the league.​

However, the shortstop has only homers and no other hits. But manager Boone dismisses such apprehension.

“I can think of three balls he’s hit on the screws for outs,” he said, “It’s just early in the season. You square them up, you might as well drive them out.”

Can Volpe sustain Yankees’ high hopes?

Volpe’s contributions are part of a larger narrative for the Yankees, who have set a major league record with 19 home runs in their first four games. This power surge underscores the team’s offensive strength and potential for the season. ​

While Volpe’s early-season performance is impressive, the key question remains: Can he sustain this level of production throughout the grueling MLB season? His offseason efforts to refine his swing and approach at the plate suggest a commitment to long-term improvement.​

Moreover, the integration of new technologies, like the torpedo bat, indicates a willingness to adapt and innovate—qualities that bode well for his continued development.​

Beyond his offensive contributions, Volpe has showcased defensive prowess. In a recent game against the Milwaukee Brewers, he made an outstanding backhanded grab while falling backward, completing a strong throw to first base to rob Oliver Dunn of a hit. ​

While it’s still too early in the season to proclaim a complete transformation, the difference is undeniable. His OPS is a staggering 1.073 through the Yankees’ first week, and more impressively, he’s looking comfortable against both righties and lefties.

His rapid accumulation of home runs, combined with a humble demeanor and dedication to improvement, positions him as a pivotal figure in the Yankees‘ quest for success this season. As the year progresses, all eyes will be on Volpe to see if he can maintain this trajectory and solidify his role as a cornerstone of the Yankees’ lineup.

What do you think?

Follow Us