On a typical spring morning at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, a lighthearted moment between Anthony Volpe and Derek Dietrich quickly caught the attention of Yankees players and fans.
Volpe learns from Dietrich
Anthony Volpe, the young shortstop attempting to shake off a slow start in spring training, received an unexpected lesson in home run celebrations from Dietrich, a former MLB player known for his flashy style who now serves as an advisor for the Yankees.
Dietrich, renowned throughout his playing career for his vibrant personality and memorable celebrations, decided to give Volpe a hands-on demonstration on how to properly pimp a home run. Volpe, facing mounting pressure after an uninspiring spring—batting just .158 with nine strikeouts in 19 at-bats—appeared to welcome the playful distraction.
“It’s got to go higher. Get it, get it out there. Get it up there,” Dietrich instructed, closely observing Volpe’s swings. “Come on. Ah, better. Take a step back. Remember, don’t rush it. Something like this.”
To illustrate his point, Dietrich had someone toss him a pitch. With a powerful swing, he launched the ball far beyond the outfield wall, flipping his bat dramatically and starting a triumphant walk. The unmistakable sound of the ball hitting a car in the parking lot underscored his point, drawing laughter from those watching.
But can Dietrich’s humorous pointers genuinely help Volpe turn things around?
Misleading stats or genuine concern?
Anthony Volpe’s early spring training performance has been far from ideal, casting doubts on whether his offensive inconsistencies might carry over into the regular season. During the Yankees’ recent 8-4 loss to the Twins, he finished hitless in three at-bats, struck out twice, and committed a throwing error. Overall, he’s hitting a modest .158 with a .563 OPS through six games. Most concerning is his 44% strikeout rate, which is nearly double what he posted last year, and he has yet to draw a walk.
Despite these setbacks, the Yankees are not pressing the panic button just yet. Volpe has managed a home run, driven in four runs, and stolen two bases this spring, showcasing the dynamic elements of his game. The defensive side remains a work in progress, but he is a former Gold Glove winner who was also a finalist last season.
Manager Aaron Boone remains upbeat about Volpe’s future and does not appear alarmed by his current slump. “I think Volpe looks good,” Boone said. “Yes, he’s had some strikeouts, but overall, I see positive things happening offensively. His swing mechanics look great. He’s making solid contact. Today, he got rung up on a 3-2 pitch that was probably ball four, which happens at this stage. He’s seeing the ball well, and things will improve as we progress.”
Although spring training numbers can sometimes be misleading, Volpe’s spike in strikeouts is worth monitoring. Last season, he managed to cut his strikeout rate to 22.6%, a notable improvement from his 27.8% mark as a rookie. Whether this spring’s alarming increase indicates a short-term hiccup or a more significant regression remains unclear. What is certain is that the Yankees depend on him to provide more than just defensive value if they hope to contend in 2024.
Volpe’s postseason performance last year offered a glimpse of his offensive potential, as he hit .286 with a .407 on-base percentage, evidence that he can thrive under pressure. His regular-season output, however, was less impressive at .240 with a .302 OBP, leaving plenty of room for growth. If he can tighten his swing, raise his contact rate, and regain the discipline he showed when cutting his strikeouts last season, the Yankees believe he can develop into a reliable contributor.
While there is obvious concern about Volpe’s recent struggles, the organization remains confident in the 24-year-old’s abilities. Spring training is a time for experimentation and fine-tuning, and Volpe still has ample opportunity to make adjustments before Opening Day. If he manages to balance his skill set, harness his defensive prowess, and become a more consistent threat at the plate, he may well prove himself a cornerstone for the Yankees in the upcoming season and beyond.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Agreed, things have been a bit shaky with Volpe this spring, but I remind myself it’s still only spring, and that Volpe has proven himself a very good defensive shortstop. On offense I think he’s still searching for the right chemistry. His experiments with his swing the last two seasons haven’t been successful, so hopefully his third effort at reworking it becomes the charm. As one of the few everyday right handed bats in the lineup, we absolutely need him to step this year.