Insider Claims Young Yankees Infielder Ready To 'Explode' This Season

The New York Yankees should be excited about Anthony Volpe.

He took over the club's shortstop position in 2023 and had a very solid rookie year. Volpe's offensive numbers don't jump off the page, but he showed plenty of potential while also earning his first Gold Glove Award. 

The 22-year-old now is entering his sophomore season and should see some gains. It's unclear exactly what he will do this season, but The Athletic's Jim Bowden mentioned Volpe as one of the players he expects to "explode" in 2024.

"Volpe had a strong rookie season, with 21 home runs, 24 stolen bases and 3.3 WAR (Baseball Reference)," Bowden said. "He hit just .209 and reached base a paltry 28 percent rate. He played in front of the most demanding fans and in the most difficult market for a rookie. And he did it with class, while showing his work ethic and a high baseball IQ.

"He did a great job of adjusting and I think will fate better against breaking balls this season after really struggling against them last year. If he can get his average up to .240-.250, then his home runs could creep up to 24-25 and his stolen bases could reach 30 (or more). He scored 62 runs last season but should get more this year; if he hits ninth for the Yankees, he'll have DJ LeMahieu, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge batting behind him."

New York as a club should be in a better spot in 2024 than it was in 2023. If Volpe can take a step forward, he certainly will help add to the club's success.