Anthony Volpe, despite facing the typical challenges of a rookie season with the New York Yankees in 2023, concluded the year on a positive note. He secured the eighth position in AL Rookie of the Year voting and etched his name in history as the first Yankees rookie to earn a Gold Glove. As he enters his sophomore campaign, the focus now turns to a facet of his game that has often been overlooked – base stealing.
Recently acknowledged by MLB.com in their “10 Players Who Should Run More in 2024” list, Anthony Volpe’s rookie struggles, are reflected in his .209/.283/.383 slash line, somewhat concealed his impressive base-stealing abilities. Despite flying under some radars, he quietly swiped 24 bases with only 5 caught stealings, achieving the distinction of being the first Yankees rookie to join the exclusive 20/20 club.
Anthony Volpe’s untapped potential
MLB.com recognizes the untapped potential in Anthony Volpe’s base-stealing capabilities for the upcoming season. Although his speed registers at 28.3 feet per second (compared to Trea Turner’s 30+ ft/s), Anthony Volpe compensates with craftiness, boasting an impressive 83% base-stealing success rate in the previous season. His minor league statistics further support this potential, with 50 stolen bases and only 7-time caught stealings in 2022.
Having navigated the challenges of his inaugural big league season, Anthony Volpe is poised to exceed his initial achievements in base stealing. Anticipate witnessing him evolve into an even more formidable threat on the basepaths, adding a new dimension to his already promising young career.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
