Last Updated on June 21, 2023 by Inna Zeyger

The Yankees’ highly praised rookie shortstop, Anthony Volpe, has been displaying impressive defensive skills and sporadic but promising power at the plate. However, he is currently grappling with a persistent struggle in making consistent contact, hindering his overall performance. Scouts have raised alarm claiming that the rookie is deviating from his distinctive style and this has led to his slump.

With his batting average plummeting to .191, Anthony Volpe remains resolute in his efforts to overcome his slump. Ahead of the Yankees’ 3-1 victory against the Mariners, ending their four-game losing streak, Volpe joined his struggling teammates in early batting practice at The Stadium. However, there is a pressing question to be addressed: Is he focusing on the right aspects of his practice? A couple of scouts, who consider themselves ardent supporters of Volpe, have noticed certain adjustments in his approach that are causing concerns.

Scouts raise red flags over Anthony Volpe’s change

The consensus is that Anthony Volpe has immense potential and a bright future ahead. However, there is growing speculation about whether he needs to implement significant adjustments in order to expedite his journey to stardom.

According to two long-time scouts who have closely observed Anthony Volpe’s development, they have noticed significant changes in his swing. They describe his swing as being more “uphill” and more forceful than before. They speculate that he may have embraced the launch-angle philosophy, although the rookie himself denies this.

One of the scouts, who expressed being a devoted admirer of Anthony Volpe, even suggested that a demotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre could be beneficial for him to address this problem and rediscover his previous swing. However, General Manager Brian Cashman has stated that such a possibility is not currently under consideration.

The scout expressed concern over Anthony Volpe’s recent approach at the plate, stating that he seems to have deviated from his strengths, such as getting on base, having competitive at-bats, and battling through tough pitches. The scout observed that Anthony Volpe’s current approach appears to be more focused on swinging for power and disregarding the importance of avoiding strikeouts. According to the scout, it seems like someone has advised Anthony Volpe to not worry about strikeouts, resulting in him taking aggressive swings even with two strikes.

The scout expressed unwavering belief in Anthony Volpe’s potential, emphasizing that he has been a fan of Volpe since his time at Delbarton School in Morristown, N.J. Despite his current struggles, the scout drew a comparison to Dustin Pedroia, who initially faced similar challenges in his early career with the Red Sox. The scout highlighted that Pedroia’s batting average and performance were even lower than Anthony Volpe’s at the same stage, but he went on to make adjustments, work hard, and eventually became an MVP.

The scout expressed his belief that Anthony Volpe’s current performance does not align with the type of player he should be. The scout mentioned that the rokkie should not be ranking among the league leaders in strikeouts, noting that he was tied for seventh in the American League with 83 strikeouts.

The rookie made his intentions clear

After engaging in additional batting practice, Anthony Volpe willingly participated in an interview, maintaining a smile throughout, despite facing a few uncomfortable questions. He made it clear that he has no intention of adopting a launch angle or any specific hitting technique. His primary objective is to have a positive impact on the game and help his team win. The Yankees shortstop acknowledged the frequent opportunities he receives and expressed his determination to capitalize on them.

According to those close to him, the young player, who is just 22 years old, has an undeniable passion for baseball. He puts in a great deal of effort, particularly at the plate, although it’s understandable that it may take some time for him to find his rhythm. His OPS figures reflect a decline over the months, with .670 in April, .592 in May, and .532 in June.

Anthony Volpe acknowledged that the team’s current performance is not up to its desired level. He expressed his commitment to finding ways to contribute and make an impact in the game. He emphasized that everyone on the team is working hard and striving to reach their full potential both individually and collectively.

The scout who holds a strong admiration for Anthony Volpe admitted that he had a frustrating moment during Sunday night’s game. Observing Kenley Jansen overpowering Volpe with his formidable high-velocity pitches, the scout felt the urge to throw the remote in frustration. It was a testament to Jansen’s exceptional skills, although it should be noted that Jansen has the ability to make any batter appear overwhelmed.

Scouts wanted a demotion for Volpe

The scout expressed his belief that Anthony Volpe may benefit from a stint in Triple-A. According to the scout, Volpe would need to focus on relearning how to make solid contact with pitches up in the zone and away from him. The scout observed that his early hip opening and uphill swing were contributing factors to his struggles. The scout also noted that Volpe seemed to have more success with pitches located down and inside.

Despite his young age, Anthony Volpe displayed professionalism and composure when confronted with the suggestion of a potential demotion. The Yankees organization appears to fully support him, although it is expected that they would maintain a positive stance publicly while he remains with the team.

Anthony Volpe expressed that the potential decision regarding a demotion to the minors is beyond his control. He acknowledged the support he has received from the team since the beginning of spring training and emphasized the importance of focusing on the big games ahead. He stated that his primary concern is not letting his mind wander to any other thoughts, as it would be unfair to his teammates in the clubhouse.

Cashman displayed confidence in the entire offense, which has struggled significantly since the absence of Aaron Judge, their star player. He emphasized that the team’s difficulties should not solely be attributed to the performance of a rookie player. Despite the frustrations directed towards struggling veterans like Josh Donaldson and Giancarlo Stanton, Cashman acknowledged that the fans have been supportive of the young player.

Cashman expressed his unwavering belief in Anthony Volpe, sharing the same admiration for the young player as the scout. He made it clear that sending him down to the minor leagues is not being considered an option.

The Yankees GM assured that the Yankees are fully committed to Anthony Volpe and have complete confidence in his abilities. He emphasized their belief in the rookie and their strong commitment to his development.

Since the beginning, the Yankees have consistently demonstrated their unwavering support for Anthony Volpe, even during his struggles with a subpar batting average. When asked about the possibility of sending him down to the minors, Cashman firmly stated that it is not a topic of consideration or conversation within the organization. Their commitment to Volpe remains steadfast, regardless of his current performance.

The Yankees’ belief in Anthony Volpe as a potential star is well-founded. However, it is reasonable to inquire about the proximity of his anticipated breakthrough.

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