Anthony Volpe And What Can He VolBe?

[ThePrideofShiner]

Volpe is the third shortstop in MLB history to have 20+ stolen bases and 20+ home runs in their rookie season, matching Nomar (1997) and Witt Jr. (2022).

Edit: Per the team, he is also the first Yankees rookie to do that feat.

 

[Wingack]

It's been a bit of a bumpy rookie season, but that is still damn impressive.

 

[EvilEmpire]

I think I'm even more impressed with what defensive metrics say about him at SS.

If he can get the strikeout numbers down, which with more experience I think he will, look out.

 

[Murderer's Crow]

Right on. Strong August and June, if he has a strong september offensively, there's no doubt this was as good year for him to build on.

 

[BigSoxFan]

.850ish OPS in August. Showing glimpses of what he could become with more consistency. The defense is already good. Wouldn't be surprised if he's .800+ OPS with good defense as soon as next year.

 

[jon abbey]

“Anthony Volpe has more HR’s then:

- Dansby Swanson
- Xander Bogaerts
- Carlos Correa
- Bo Bichette

and more DRS then:

- Francisco Lindor
- Gunnar Henderson
- Corey Seager
- Jeremy Peña”

 

[jon abbey]

One of three Gold Glove finalists at AL SS, and since the other two are the undeserving Carlos Correa and Corey Seager (with the deserving Bobby Witt Jr. not making it), he should win.

View: https://twitter.com/chriskirschner/status/1714703438821433753

 

[simplicio]

DRS obviously likes him, but 17 errors is kind of a lot of errors when you're up against recognized veterans.

 

[jon abbey]

Errors is one of the dumbest stats ever as you don't get an error if you can't actually get to the ball, but also worth noting games played at SS then:

Volpe 157
Correa 135
Seager 112

To be clear, I don't think Volpe is the best defensive SS in the AL (Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson and the in limbo Wander Franco are all better for starters) and I don't even think he should be NY's SS next year (Peraza is better defensively), but I do think he had a decidedly better defensive 2023 than Correa and Seager.

 

[simplicio]

Of course. It's wild how much defensive metrics vary though.

Regardless, if they can't even nominate the right people, I don't trust that they'll actually award the most deserving player of the group either.

 

[jon abbey]

Volpe the only AL SS in the top 5 of the Fielding Bible award voting:

View: https://twitter.com/sis_baseball/status/1717637688684122426

 

[jon abbey]

Volpe did in fact win the Gold Glove just now, first Yankee rookie at any position ever to do that. Congrats young man!*

*Now move to 2B so Peraza can play SS, thanks.

View: https://twitter.com/RawlingsSports/status/1721325611392618584

 

[Wingack]

He looks like a totally different hitter this year.

He is coming up to the plate with a plan. He doesn't look like a lost little kid anymore. Which should be scary for other teams.

 

[jon abbey]

The sooner he hits leadoff the better for everyone, I think NY is nervous to do it because he struggled when they did it last year, but this is a different guy, as you say. He pulled a HR on Pressly, that is impressive. And he is really not chasing.

 

[Wingack]

View: https://twitter.com/Jomboy_/status/1775011521656996321?s=20

 

[jon abbey]

8-14 with 4 walks in his first 4 games, 1.667 OPS.

 

[jon abbey]

14-33 so far in 9 games, leading the AL in BA at .424.

View: https://twitter.com/ktsharp/status/1777174206335070578?s=46&t=0GHHaPVUX26Io0V2HIcS0g

 

[jon abbey]

I don’t think Volpe will be dropped from the leadoff spot until his thirties sometime.

View: https://twitter.com/bryanhoch/status/1780364813920534921?s=46&t=0GHHaPVUX26Io0V2HIcS0g

 

[ThePrideofShiner]

I saw a stat on Twitter yesterday that Volpe has had the most balls called strikes of any hitter in baseball so far this season. Remarkable considering how well he is hitting the ball.

 

[EvilEmpire]

I look forward to DJ batting sixth and pushing Gleyber down a ways.

This lineup has so much potential if vets like Gleyber and DJ are even moderately productive at the plate.