Volpedo: Why 2025 could be breakout year for Yankees shortstop

Volpe's jump in production has given him a very important role in the Yankees' lineup during the beginning of this season, and he has a chance to finally fulfill the position that the Bombers initially envisioned him to be in.

The young shortstop was called up in 2023 after only 22 games in Triple-A the year prior and was immediately thrown at the top of the order. Going into that season, he was ranked the No. 5 prospect in all of baseball, but more than anything, his speed made him the obvious pick at leadoff. 

The Volpe leadoff experiment failed, and for the past three seasons, the Yankees have struggled to find their consistent leadoff man, already rotating through three so far this season. While young designated hitter Ben Rice and veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt have seemed to get the Yanks by in the early going, they are both better suited to be middle-of-the-order bats.

The key for Volpe now is no longer just his quickness, but if he can consistently get on base to use it. With the Yankees building around Aaron Judge in the middle of their order, it is imperative to get people on base in front of him to place more pressure on the pitchers. If Volpe continues to swing a hot bat and take walks, the Yanks may lean on him once again to become the speedy leadoff hitter that they pictured him to be. 

A hot start to a season doesn't mean that Volpe has officially broken out, as he had a good start to his 2024 season as well, but it is promising for Yankee fans. Whether his impact comes in the leadoff spot or the middle of the order, Volpe should be ready to prove himself during his third year in the bigs.

The Bombers shortstop has shown glimpses of stardom in the World Series and at the beginning of both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, and if a new bat is what it takes, Volpe may be primed to live up to his top-prospect potential.