Anthony Volpe eyes significant progress in sophomore year with Yankees

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Amidst the excitement of last year’s spring training, Anthony Volpe was on the cusp of competing for the coveted starting shortstop role with the Yankees.

Fast forward to today, after an eventful rookie season marked by notable achievements and challenges, Volpe is honing his skills for what he hopes will be a more consistent sophomore campaign.

What happened?

Speaking at the “Pinstripe Pride” autograph signing event at American Dream in New Jersey, Anthony Volpe emphasized his focus on refining his game. “I think just taking some of the strengths of my game and trying to make those more consistent,” he shared. “With that, ironing out some of the things that can set me up for as much success as I expect.”

Having displayed glimpses of his potential during his inaugural season, the 22-year-old now possesses the opportunity to elevate his performance with a year of major league experience under his belt.

Acknowledging Anthony Volpe’s baseball acumen and adaptability, the Yankees have commended his ability to learn from both successes and setbacks, a trait they believe will be instrumental in his development.

While Anthony Volpe’s rookie campaign showcased remarkable feats—including becoming the first rookie in franchise history to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases, as well as securing a Gold Glove at shortstop—it also brought its share of challenges. Battling through a .209 batting average, a .666 OPS, and 167 strikeouts across 159 games, Volpe experienced the highs and lows of professional baseball.

Reflecting on his debut season, Volpe expressed a commitment to improvement. “I obviously learned a ton last year about everything,” he remarked. “So we’ve been going to work down [in Tampa].”

Is Anthony Volpe ready for the 2024 season?

Despite the ups and downs, Anthony Volpe’s role as the Yankees’ starting shortstop remains firm, a testament to the organization’s confidence in his potential.

As Anthony Volpe and his Yankees‘ teammates gear up for the upcoming season, they are driven by a collective desire to rebound from last year’s disappointing 82-80 record.

With spring training underway in Tampa, Volpe has already immersed himself in workouts alongside his teammates. He is eager to hit the ground running when pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 14, followed by position players on Feb. 19.

The addition of Juan Soto to the lineup provides a significant boost. However, the trade that brought him from the Padres carried personal implications for Volpe, who was with Kyle Higashioka (now a Padre) when the deal was finalized.

Acknowledging the mixed emotions surrounding the trade, Volpe remains optimistic about the opportunities it presents. “It was bittersweet for sure,” he admitted. “But all in all, at the end of the day, it’s great opportunities. Going forward, I know I’m really excited.”

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