Is Anthony Volpe The Key To The Yankees Lineup?

Is Anthony Volpe The Key To The Yankees Lineup?

Anthony Volpe is currently showing no signs of a sophmore slump. Of course, there is 151 more games to change that but fans of the Bronx Bombers can’t help but be ecstatic over the young shortstop’s improvements. Through 11 games, the New Jersey native is tied for an MLB-leading .417 batting average and a staggering 1.155 OPS, good for fourth in the majors. One of the main criticisms of the Yankees in recent years is their development of young talent. Other than maybe Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres, a lot of their team was built using outside additions and acquisitions. However, Brian Cashman has the chance of looking like a genius if this youth movement pans out.

Volpe, the first-round pick from 2019, is leading the charge with his stellar play so far. However, there are a couple of other young guns waiting in the wings. Before UCL surgery last summer, Jasson Dominguez posted a 158 OPS+ in his first eight games in the show. Also factor in Spencer Jones, who had an excellent showing in Spring Training before reporting to Double-A Somerset. The Yanks were adamant to not trade him for pitching help, as some believe he might even pan out into a left-handed version of the 2022 AL MVP. There’s a lot to look forward to, but for now there’s other things in sight for 2024.

Dawgs In The Order

One of the refreshing positive behind New York’s 9-2 start is their offensive punch. Of course, you can look no further than Juan Soto for a big reason why that is. He has settled into the Bronx about as well as you could ask for, and is set to earn a record-setting contract after the season. However, it the players after Soto and Judge in the lineup that has also injected new life into the team. Volpe is the biggest reason why that is, with Oswaldo Cabrera also showing some very good improvements.

Many, including myself, have wondered whether Aaron Boone should move the Watchung, NJ native to the leadoff spot instead of Gleyber Torres. It’s not a bad idea, but for now we should probably pump the break. Batting behind the likes of Judge, Soto, and Giancarlo Stanton has allowed him to see pitches that he otherwise wouldn’t have if he batted in front of them.