Anthony Volpe has already had a big impact on the Yankees’ roster. The top prospect for New York and the No. 5 prospect on MLB Pipeline’s list of the Top 100 prospects had a dream debut that saw him holding on his own and winning veterans’ admiration.
The record
When Anthony Volpe stole third base in the seventh inning of the Yankees’ 6-0 win over the Giants on Sunday, he became the first Yankees player to achieve this in 110 years. He also stands as the fifth player since 1901 to steal a base in each of his first three MLB games. He is the first person to do it since Billy Hamilton of the Reds did it 10 years ago.
“I think a lot of credit goes to our coaching staff and the staff that puts together the reports on stealing bags,” Volpe said. “We want to make it as low risk as you can. I think the modern game has gotten away from stealing bags.”
The Yankees were up 4-0 when Anthony Volpe walked to start the seventh. When Giants right-hander Sean Hjelle threw a wild pitch, he moved to second. Aaron Judge struck out after Gleyber Torres walked, but Gleyber Torres and Anthony Volpe did a double steal to put runners on second and third with one out. Then, Anthony Rizzo hit a sacrifice fly to center fielder Mike Yastrzemski, which allowed Volpe to score, making the score 5-0.
“I really wanted to get to third. It ended up happening there,” Volpe said. “It was an easier RBI chance, especially late in the game. I want to try and push the envelope and extend the lead. Every run matters.”
“Credit to [Volpe], he took advantage of it,” Hjelle said. “I know I haven’t been in MLB very long, but you could have told me that guy has two or three years under his belt, and I would have believed you. He looks pretty dang natural out there.”
Rizzo is happy with how Anthony Volpe has played in the ninth spot in the lineup.
“When he gets on base, [Volpe] is an instant threat,” Rizzo said. “… Even with two strikes and a runner on third, it makes me relax a lot more knowing I can put the ball in play, just get that run in. Every run you add on late in the game usually pays off big time.”
Anthony Volpe’s speed
Anthony Volpe was by far the best thing about the show. The top prospect played his first game in the major leagues on Opening Day. Whenever he went out on the field, he looked cool and collected. He was steady at shortstop. At the plate, he had a number of good opportunities. He only went 2-for-9 (.222), and he still hasn’t hit a home run or driven in a run. But he caused a lot of trouble on the bases.
He stole three bags and scored twice. Besides that, he drew two walks. Boone said that Anthony Volpe’s work on the basepaths didn’t surprise him.
“It’s something he does very well. He’s an elite base runner. He doesn’t burn. He’s got good speed. But he’s just a very good runner between bases. Does his homework. Stays in charge.”
The Yankees told Anthony Volpe one week ago that he would be their starting shortstop. He hasn’t done anything to make them think twice about their choice.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Anthony Volpe has shown this kind of baserunning skill. Many people are excited about his overall set of skills, but in the Minors, it was his speed that really stood out. In 2021, he stole 33 bases. Last season, he stole 50 bases and was only caught seven times.
Anthony Volpe has brought something new and exciting to a Yankees team that needed speed to balance out their lineup, which was heavy on power. The 21-year-old has the perfect mix of skills, explosive tools, and charisma that will make him one of the most popular Yankees in the years to come. One thing Anthony Volpe will do to do this is steal bases. He already seems to be on the right track.
“I just want to impact every game any way I can,” Volpe said. “Definitely, when I get on base, whether I go or whether I don’t, just threatening the other team, having them think about me and think a little less about [the hitter]. Just on a day-to-day basis, I want them to think about me on the bases.”
Anthony Volpe gives first career hit ball to parents
Anthony Volpe gave the ball that hit first in his MLB career to his parents. His parents were also caught on camera when he hit the ball and were seen celebrating it.
Later in the same game, Anthony Volpe got his second career hit, giving him a 2-for-4 day.
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