The refinement of the 2025 New York Yankees is still in the works. The club will display its guarantees and potential when spring training kicks off in a week. One thing for sure is that the Yankees’ infield has been shaken up and will be led by senior Yankee infielder Anthony Volpe.
Young Shortstop Will Face a Crucial Showcase in the Bronx this Season
The word “senior” doesn’t seem fitting given Volpe’s service time under his belt. However, he is one of the longest remaining players on the current projected infield and has an aura behind his player profile.
That aura was obviously a top prospect vibe at his time of promotion. At present, Yankees analytics and Yankees fans advise differently. Mid-season last year, it was noticeable that Volpe was struggling both offensively and defensively.
His overall abilities weren’t the concern, but his performance and production were concerning. In addition to this, it seemed like the organization was overly supportive of this with no corrective action.
2025 will be it’s own beast for Volpe as the attention will be on him.
Volpe Will Lead As Senior Yankees Infielder
The Yankees infield will have a slightly different look to it this upcoming season. The club did not bring back first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo was replaced by Paul Goldschmidt at first base, with Ben Rice on the second-string end.
In addition to DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera, the addition of Cody Bellinger also gives the Yankees an option at first base, rather than just the outfield. Jazz Chisholm Jr will move over to second base, and the Yankees may platoon the third base spot.
Volpe takes on the captain of the infield role in the Bronx, which isn’t all that easy. Previously occupied by arguably one of the greatest Yankees of all time, Derek Jeter, Volpe has huge shoes to fill.
Volpe’s Numbers Need to Spark With Consistency
Volpe has shown decent improvement over the two seasons he has in the major leagues. He recorded more hits and extra-base hits in 2024 than in 2023, although in 2023, he hit more home runs.
His batting average improved from .209 to .243, and his on-base percentage rose from .283 to .293. Volpe also struck out less in 2024.
What does the shortstop need to do offensively to succeed? Volpe will need to play his game to a new level and emphasize all of his skill sets.
He’ll need to draw more walks, as he shows great discipline and pitch recognition at the plate. In the last two seasons, Volpe walked 94 times.
Quality at-bats will be key for Volpe. Aside from walks, a better contact approach and staying up the middle for extra-base hits will be key. A contact approach to force more hits and avoid more strikeouts would also be valuable.
Volpe’s aggressiveness on the base pads is also where his game carries value. Getting on base and into scoring position is also a big game for the shortstop.
In two seasons, Volpe recorded 52 stolen bases and was only caught stealing 12 times. He scored 152 times in two seasons, over 268 hits and 94 walks.
The Yankees Shortstop Has to Prove His Worth for Long Term Commitments
The Yankees shortstop will earn $800,000 this season, his last official contracted season before he reaches arbitration. Arbitration is set for 2026 when Volpe and his management team will plead their case.
Volpe will need to exceed projections and exceed last year’s numbers for a successful negotiation. His performance will need to paint the image of a projectable all-star shortstop for the Yankees to want to lock him up long-term.
Main Photo Credits: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
