Anthony Volpe has steadily built his reputation as a key offensive contributor for the New York Yankees, leading all American League shortstops with 32 RBIs this season. His timely hitting was on display during the Yankees’ recent 3-2 victory on the road against the Los Angeles Angels, where he added a crucial RBI in the sixth inning, helping secure the win.
Coming off a strong performance in the series opener—a 5-1 Yankees win where Volpe collected three RBIs—he has solidified his position atop the RBI leaderboard among AL shortstops. Now in his third major league season, Volpe’s numbers reflect the most productive start to a campaign of his career.
Consistent Improvement Drives Volpe’s Offensive Breakthrough
Volpe’s current batting line of .245/.326/.439 includes 24 extra-base hits and six home runs, alongside an OPS+ of 116, which indicates above-average offensive production compared to league peers. His growth is even more remarkable given the high bar set by the legendary Derek Jeter, whose footsteps Volpe strives to follow as the Yankees’ starting shortstop.
Since debuting at the start of the 2023 season, Volpe has made notable strides. Last year, he finished with 21 home runs and earned a Gold Glove, improving his batting average but experiencing a dip in slugging percentage and power numbers. In 2024, Volpe appears to have found a balance, combining power and contact ability to elevate his overall game.
Advanced Metrics Highlight Plate Discipline and Power Gains
Statcast data reveals key areas where Volpe has enhanced his approach at the plate. His chase rate—the percentage of pitches swung at outside the strike zone—has dropped significantly from 27.7% last year to 20.7% this season, placing him in the 90th percentile among MLB hitters. This improvement in plate discipline has helped Volpe become a more dangerous hitter.
Additionally, his walk rate has increased to 10%, well above his previous career average of 7.7%, reflecting a more patient and selective batting strategy. These adjustments coincide with a rise in Volpe’s average exit velocity to 91 miles per hour, up from 88.6 mph across his career, indicating that he is making stronger, more consistent contact with the ball.
This offensive surge may also be linked to equipment changes, as Volpe was among several Yankees hitters who adopted the new torpedo bat design at the season’s outset, which appears to have contributed positively to his power numbers and overall offensive output.
Building a Lasting Legacy with the Yankees
At just 24 years old, Anthony Volpe is proving to be an increasingly vital piece of the Yankees’ lineup as he assumes the demanding role of shortstop once held by Derek Jeter. His current pace and skill development suggest a promising future as a mainstay in New York’s infield and a reliable offensive powerhouse.
With his continued improvement at the plate and ability to drive in runs consistently, Volpe is not only solidifying his status in the league but also setting a tone for sustained success with the Bronx Bombers. As the season progresses, expectations remain high for Volpe to maintain his standing as the top RBI producer among AL shortstops and contribute significantly to the Yankees’ quest for postseason success.