Watch: Yankees' Volpe continues hot start with three-run HR

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium. Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Yankees SS Anthony Volpe continues hot start to season with three-run HR

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 4/8/24

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe continued his torrid start to the 2024 MLB season against the Marlins on Monday.

The second-year pro hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning to give the Yanks a 3-0 lead.

The kid can do it all. @Volpe_Anthony pic.twitter.com/gVihCu1kkn
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 8, 2024

Entering Monday's game, Volpe led the American League with a .424 batting average in nine games.

He made his debut on March 30, 2023 and had a quiet rookie season at the plate, batting .209 but made up for it with an AL Gold Glove award, the first by a Yankees shortstop since Derek Jeter in 2010.

His strong start to the season follows a promising spring when Volpe hit .314. His batting average won't float above the .400 mark for the entire season, but his floor is much higher than it was just a year ago.

Volpe is also part of New York's overall resurgence to start the season. Entering Monday, the Yankees had the most wins (eight) in the AL and were tied with the Pirates for MLB's best record (8-2).

Last year, New York went 82-80 and missed the playoffs. Its offense wasn't very good, finishing 25th in the league in runs scored (673).

Volpe's production has been particularly vital as outfielders Aaron Judge and Alex Verdugo find their footing. Both are hitting below .200 to start the season, and first baseman Anthony Rizzo is at .216.

The Yankees have plenty of firepower, but Volpe has been their best player. If New York's stars follow his lead, it could really be dangerous.

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