(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees took Anthony Volpe in the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft when he was far from a finished product.
They saw potential in him.
Then, in 2020, a crucial time for all prospects presented itself: the pandemic.
While many young players sat on their couches doing nothing, Volpe went to work, revamping his swing and his physique.
He turned himself into a top-100 prospect in 2020-21, then a top-10 prospect entering this year.
His debut season in MLB has had its peaks and valleys, but it has been a success overall.
On Thursday, he became the first rookie in team history to complete a 20-20 campaign.
1st Rookie to record a 20/20 Season in Yankees History
Congratulations, @Volpe_Anthony pic.twitter.com/Zjp1kXTHSf
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 31, 2023
He also did it with a clutch three-run home run to tie the game against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning.
Unfortunately for the Yankees, they lost it in the tenth frame anyway, but Volpe showed his timely hitting with the dinger.
After the game, his overall batting line reached .219/.296/.411 with 20 homers, 21 stolen bases, and a .707 OPS.
He has been hot for a while, slugging .692 over his last seven games and .611 over his last 15.
He finally seems to be settling in and adjusting to MLB pitching.
Some prospects take a week, others a month, others a year, and others never do it.
All things considered, given Volpe’s age (22) and relative lack of Triple-A experience, we can all agree that it has been a solid debut for the dynamic infielder.
2024 could bring big things, too, as he will have a full year of MLB experience.
The post Anthony Volpe Made Yankees History With A Clutch Homer appeared first on The Cold Wire.