Anthony Volpe, a 21-year-old rookie shortstop, made a surprise debut for the New York Yankees in 2023. He was chosen over favorite Oswald Peraza to become an everyday starter. To be fair to Volpe, he delivered some awe-inspiring moments throughout his rookie season despite inconsistencies.
Anthony Volpe finished the year with a 20/20 record and stole record bases. Not only that, but the rookie earned his career’s first Golden Glove at shortstop. Needless to say, the supposed Derek Jeter successor will meet with high expectations in his second year in pinstripes. Meanwhile, Volpe recently shed insights on his preparations ahead of a crucial second season in the Bronx.
Anthony Volpe Says He Took Back A Ton Of Learnings From Rookie Season With Yankees
Despite making waves with his raw talent, Anthony Volpe failed to live up to high expectations. He was inconsistent with the bat. Moreover, the infielder seems unready to face the standard of major league pitching. Regardless, his flashes of brilliance occasionally on the plate left the fans highly impressed. Volpe went 20/20 in his rookie season to script a franchise record. And also delivered a grand slam. His Golden Glove award for the shortstop position further boosted his rookie season as a success. Having said that, expectations from Volpe will only rise as he enters a new season in pinstripes. The leverage of the rookie tag will no longer remain come to Volpe’s rescue.
Meanwhile, ahead of spring training, the shortstop attended the “Pinstripe Pride” autograph signing event at American Dream in New Jersey and opened up on his pre-season preparations. Volpe says the plan in 2024 is to remain consistent. “With that, ironing out some of the things that can set me up for as much success as I expect,” the shortstop added. He also said that he took back a ton of learning from his rookie season, which he wishes to incorporate into his game in the future. Interestingly, the infielder revealed that he has been in Tampa for a month to kick off preparations early for the new season. He added how the team staff is helping him to correct his weaknesses. “We’ve all been down there for probably about a month now, so everyone’s primed up, ready to go,” said Volpe.
Austin Wells Joins Minor League Teammate Anthony Volpe In Tampa
Besides Anthony Volpe, another promising prospect, Austin Wells has been in Tampa for over a month. Wells revealed at an event that he, Volpe, and a group of guys reported to spring training early to quickly get back into regular season groove. Additionally, Wells opened up on his key takeaways from his debut season.
Austin Wells said getting a taste of the big leagues in September was good. He understood that the game is the same, irrespective of the grade level. He enjoyed the Yankees stadium’s atmosphere and cannot wait to kick in the new season. The catcher believes that 2024 will be a great year for the New York Yankees. And they will indeed fall back to winning ways.
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