Forget about Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Gerrit Cole; the New York Yankees’ latest sensation has emerged, and his name is Anthony Volpe.

Volpe continued his exceptional performance this season by collecting two more hits in the Yankees’ recent 3-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. With 11 hits in seven games, the 22-year-old shortstop boasts an impressive .423 batting average and a remarkable 1.154 OPS.

Following a decent yet somewhat underwhelming rookie season in 2023, Volpe is now beginning to fulfill his potential. As a former first-round draft pick, he faced lofty expectations of becoming the next Derek Jeter.

While his talent was evident with 21 home runs, 24 stolen bases, and a Gold Glove in his debut season, Volpe still had areas for improvement, including a high 27.8% strikeout rate and a batting line of .209/.283/.383.

However, Volpe has clearly made adjustments this offseason, as highlighted by MLB analyst Harold Reynolds during Friday’s MLB Tonight.

Reynolds noted a subtle yet significant change in Volpe’s batting stance and swing mechanics. In 2023, Volpe stood too upright and dipped during the pitcher’s release, but he has since corrected this flaw by incorporating a more effective load action. This adjustment not only enhances his power but also helps him maintain a stable head position, resulting in improved ball perception and more consistent contact.

The numbers speak for themselves in 2024, with Volpe exhibiting better plate discipline, reduced strikeouts, and increased contact quality. While it’s early in the season, his impressive performance seems sustainable, given the tangible improvements in his mechanics.

With a refined swing, a matured approach at the plate, and a full season of MLB experience, Volpe is swiftly evolving into the MVP-caliber player the Yankees envisioned.