Anthony Volpe’s Yankees breakout: Talent, not torpedo bat, behind success

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After two seasons of uneven performance mixed with promise, Anthony Volpe appears to be hitting his stride—potentially thanks to an innovative piece of equipment that’s revolutionizing baseball: the torpedo bat.

Volpe, long touted as the Yankees’ cornerstone shortstop, has exploded out of the gate in 2025, delivering statistical evidence suggesting he’s finally tapping into his offensive ceiling. This transformation stems from a combination of refined mechanics, enhanced pitch recognition, and a specially engineered bat designed to complement his natural swing path.

Through the Yankees’ opening eight contests, Volpe has produced a remarkable .303/.361/.758 slash line with four home runs, 12 RBIs, and an eye-popping 206 wRC+, establishing himself among baseball’s most productive hitters. For a player who struggled to reach league-average offensive production in his first two campaigns (career 87 wRC+ through 2024), this dramatic improvement has generated both excitement and intrigue.

A bat built for Volpe’s swing

The torpedo bat—featuring an innovative mass distribution that enhances barrel control and swing whip—is emerging as a game-changer for several Yankees hitters, with Volpe potentially reaping the greatest benefits.

During a recent series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Volpe connected for a home run on contact near the bat’s label—a swing that typically would have produced a routine flyout with conventional equipment. Instead, bolstered by the bat’s unique design and Yankee Stadium’s accommodating right-field dimensions, the ball departed at a 38-degree launch angle with 94 mph exit velocity—creating a home run that would have left just two MLB parks, both coincidentally belonging to the Yankees (including their spring facility, George M. Steinbrenner Field).

Volpe’s distinctive swing mechanics historically generate contact toward the upper barrel region, closer to the handle. The torpedo bat magnifies effectiveness at this contact point, transforming marginal contact into impactful results.

From prospect to power threat

Once recognized primarily for defensive excellence, Volpe is now displaying substantial power—evident not just in home run totals but in fundamental hitting metrics. Statcast data reveals dramatic improvements across key categories:

• Barrel rate: Skyrocketed from 12th percentile in 2024 to 94th percentile in 2025
• Hard-hit rate: Climbed from 23rd percentile to 63rd percentile
• Average launch angle: Elevated from 8.6° to 17.3°
• Fly ball rate: More than doubled from 28.7% to 62.5%

The combination of increased fly balls and barrel contact typically yields one outcome: more home runs. For a player standing just 5-foot-10 and weighing 180 pounds, these numbers demonstrate how technical proficiency can compensate for physical limitations.

Defense still a calling card

While his offensive surge captures headlines, Volpe continues exhibiting defensive brilliance. In just over a week of action, he’s accumulated three defensive runs saved and one out above average at shortstop. His exceptional range, reliable glove work, and fluid movements establish him among the league’s most valuable defensive assets.

Yankees skipper Aaron Boone highlighted Volpe’s maturity and consistency throughout spring training, with this defensive confidence clearly translating to increased comfort in the batter’s box.

From quiet contributor to star potential

Though Volpe showed flashes during his 21-homer rookie season in 2023, his offensive inconsistencies—including elevated strikeout rates and difficulties handling velocity—raised questions about whether he might remain primarily a defensive specialist.

Now, with the torpedo bat enhancing his natural swing tendencies and a more refined approach at the plate, the Yankees may finally be witnessing the version of Volpe they envisioned when installing him as their everyday shortstop.

His strikeout rate remains elevated at 25%, and his walk rate has slightly decreased to 5.6%, but the substantial gains in power production—coupled with elite defense—more than compensate for these shortcomings.

A star in the making?

Volpe has already generated early All-Star consideration, and should this trajectory continue, he’ll warrant discussion beyond just July’s exhibition showcase. As the Yankees pursue postseason contention, Volpe could emerge as a crucial component within a lineup featuring established sluggers like Aaron Judge, Paul Goldschmidt, and Ben Rice.

At just 23 years old, his development remains ongoing—but the 2025 season suggests this evolution is accelerating beyond previous projections.

The Torpedo effect

Baseball often hinges on minimal margins, where seemingly minor adjustments—like bat configuration—can yield transformative results. For Anthony Volpe, the torpedo bat may represent precisely such a catalyst.

If he maintains his ability to elevate pitches and capitalize on mistakes as demonstrated through the season’s opening weeks, Yankee Stadium might be witnessing the emergence of its next homegrown cornerstone—perhaps the most complete shortstop the organization has featured since Derek Jeter.

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