Anthony Volpe has been the best thing that could have happened for the New York Yankees last year. Otherwise, the NY side had a terrible 2023 season. They have not been able to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers finished with an awful 82-80 record. They even had the second-worst batting average. Only the nine-time World Series champions, the Oakland Athletics, had it even worse than the NY side. Moreover, it was a tremendous shame for the 27-time champions to finish in fourth place in the American League East division.
2023 was their worst season in the last 30 years. On top of that, the Yankees had a long Injured List that made things worse for them last year. Despite that tough year, there were a couple of players who stood out for the Bronx Bombers, and Anthony Volpe was one of them. The other player was obviously Gerrit Cole, who had his career-best season. As a result, the Yankees ace won his first-ever AL Cy Young award. However, Volpe really impressed the fans in his rookie season. Apparently, he looks even better in 2024.
Anthony Volpe Apparently Made Some Serious Adjustments
The Yankees surprised the fans after enjoying a 6-1 season-opening road trip. They dominated their rivals, the Houston Astros, with a clean sweep. Later, they lost only one game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. But they won the first and the last game of the series to win 2-1 against the NL Champions of last year. One of the key players in the early success of the NY side has been their new shortstop, Anthony Volpe. Last year, the rookie displayed great defensive skills but faced tons of problems at the plate. However, he managed to hit more than 20 home runs and took more than 20 steals. As a result, he enjoyed a perfect 20-20 season. However, he had too many strikeouts and walks last year.
ANTHONY VOLPE WITH A TOWERING BLAST IT'S 5-3 YANKEES! pic.twitter.com/LsdKyOrkz2
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) March 31, 2024
“It's obvious to the eye test… he's made some SERIOUS adjustments.”
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 4, 2024
– @markdero7 on @Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe pic.twitter.com/WS4CG7Dzr6
But things seem different in 2024. What changed? Former player-turned-analyst Mark DeRosa said Volpe impressed him with his new stance at the plate. As per MLB Network, DeRosa mentioned that Anthony Volpe has obviously made serious adjustments. The former slugger explained that Volpe’s new batting stance is allowing him to hit high fastballs. That’s something that was nagging him throughout his rookie season. In 2023, Volpe finished with a disappointing hitting average of .209 and had a shocking 167 strikeouts. Perhaps his new stance at the plate can help him achieve better results in 2024.
Change In Posture Might Help The New Yankees Shortstop
Despite the struggles at the plate last year, Anthony Volpe managed to win a Gold Glove after his 20-20 rookie season. But DeRosa, who was the coach of Team USA at the World Baseball Classic last year, said that the change in posture will take Volpe a long time. Mark noticed that in 2023, Volpe had his stance at a crouching position. That’s why he was not able to hit the throws in the top half of the strike zone.
But this season, it looks like Volpe made some adjustments and is standing taller at the plate. Hence, he is finding it easier to get around on the high throws. Volpe’s new batting stance is helping him to be more stable and opening himself up more. Also, the new stance looks more athletic.
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