Anthony Volpe, the promising young shortstop for the New York Yankees, has faced comparisons to no less than Derek Jeter since bursting onto the scene. Like Jeter, Volpe has shown sparks of brilliance, even snagging a Gold Glove in his rookie year back in 2023. But in 2025, the Yankees’ journey has been a roller coaster, slipping from a commanding 42-25 to a challenging 48-37 as they prepare to face the Toronto Blue Jays.
Talking to NJ Advance Media, a seasoned American League scout sheds some light on Volpe’s recent hurdles. “I’m seeing a little man trying to hit like Aaron Judge, and that’s not his game,” the scout observed. Volpe has drifted from his natural gap-to-gap approach and appears fixated on the long ball, perhaps mirroring his slugging teammates. This adjustment has seen him rack up strikeouts, despite displaying the speed and agility to thrive with his previous style.
Volpe’s numbers in June tell part of the tale: a slash line of .205/.290/.375, with a .665 OPS, and just three home runs to his name. Add in his 25 strikeouts over 27 games, and it’s clear there’s some tinkering needed with his swing. To compound matters, Volpe went 0-for-5 in a recent loss against Toronto.
On the defensive side, Volpe’s transition to shortstop hasn’t been seamless either. He’s committed 11 errors, leading the pack for American League shortstops. The scout argues Volpe might be better suited for second base, citing his average defensive plays and arm strength. Despite these critiques, the admiration for Volpe’s character and potential remains evident. The scout emphasizes, “I’m not trying to be negative. I like Volpe as a player. I love him as an individual.”
The Yankees’ management keeps faith in Volpe’s potential, with manager Aaron Boone continuing to pencil him into the lineup, hopeful for a mid-season turnaround. While there’s chatter about top prospect George Lombard Jr., who’s currently in Double-A, making his way to the majors, the scout advises patience. Lombard might still be a year out from contributing effectively.
As the All-Star break approaches, the Yankees find themselves at a crossroads, striving to reignite the spark that once had them commanding the standings. Their faith in Volpe, despite the current rocky path, underscores a hope for brighter days ahead, both for the player and the franchise.
