Anthony Volpe’s first full season in the majors was a rollercoaster. Defensively, the star was nothing short of elite. He earned a Gold Glove as well as solidified his place as the Yankees’ shortstop. However, at the plate? That is where things fell apart. A .218 batting average and an 87 wRC made Anthony Volpe’s offensive performance a liability. Now, in 2025, Volpe is not just aimed at getting better—he has been haunted by last season’s failures. The grand slam hitter admitted he is “not over” the Yankees’ World Series loss. He needs redemption. The issue is, can Anthony Volpe identify the consistency New York needs from him?
There is no debate—Volpe was a defensive game-transformer in 2024. His 14 Outs Above Average came in the 97th percentile. This put him among MLB’s elite shortstops. The Dawson Award winner’s instincts turned him into a human highlight reel, saving runs as well as frustrating opposing hitters. Such defensive brilliance earned Anthony Volpe the crown of being the youngest Yankees shortstop to get a Gold Glove. Aaron Boone praised Volpe’s effect, saying, “what he did defensively all year long, it is as good as it gets“. However, while his glove shined, Volpe’s bat told a distinctive story.
After a promising May Anthony Volpe‘s offensive performance collapsed post-All-Star break. It slashed just .193/.250/.318. Volpe’s strikeout rate surged to 27.1 percent as well as his struggles against offspeed pitches were glaring. He bat just .178 against them. The 23-year-old’s hard-hit rate placed at 35.4 percent, while his assumed batting average sent him in the league’s bottom tier. The team’s hitting coach James Rowson focused on Anthony Volpe’s need to “control the zone better” to take the next step. The star power is there, however, for him to become a true star, Volpe needs to identify the consistency that eluded him in 2024. The Yankees are betting he can.
Anthony Volpe’s blueprint for a breakout in 2025
Anthony Volpe is not dwelling on his struggles—he is utilizing them as fuel. The vital takeaway from last season? Volpe’s offensive success in the Yankees jumped when he simplified his approach. That is exactly what Anthony Volpe aimed at this offseason. “Being simple, being athletic and trying to get my swing off“, he said of his adjustments. The Heart & Hustle Award winner’s playoff performance highlighted that when he is locked in, he can provide at the highest level. He slashed .353/.476/.412 in the ALCS. This made him the first player to record four RBIs and two stolen bases in a World Series game. Now, the team is hoping Volpe can sustain such success.
With a revamped infield featuring Jazz Chisholm Jr. as well as Paul Goldschmidt, Anthony Volpe’s necessity in the roster is under analysis. Boone has not ruled out returning him to the leadoff spot, in which, Volpe posted a .347 OBP in the season’s first two months. His capability to manage high fastballs enhanced in the postseason. However, his .293 OBP in the continuous season highlighted he still chased too often. If Anthony Volpe can enhance his walk rate to 10 percent—a mark got by Mookie Betts—Volpe could become a vital table-setter. The Yankees do not need him to hit 30 homers, however, the team does need the star to be a consistent threat on the bases. If his adjustments stick, 2025 could be the year Volpe becomes a total offensive player.
Anthony Volpe’s defensive effectiveness is undeniable, however, his offensive enhancement remains the missing piece. The team thinks in his power—now it is up to him to perform. If he refines his approach at the plate, 2025 could be his breakout year. Do you think he will take the next step this season?
The post Anthony Volpe Admits He’s Not “Over” World Series Loss as He Aims to Forget His Offensive Horrors in 2024 appeared first on EssentiallySports.