BALLER MOVE: Target in drafts ~pick 122
CURRENT ADP: ~139
ANALYSIS: Anthony Volpe's production in 2023 was useful in fantasy but somewhat frustrating. There are not many players in the league who cross 20 HRs and 20 SBs, particularly as rookies. However, when that is parlayed with a .209 batting average across 601 plate appearances, the categorical production is a lot less appealing.
There is good news, though, for anyone seeking redemption on a Volpe breakout. He has reportedly worked on his swing over this past offseason to seek more contact rather than outright mashing the ball as he did in 2023. This should result in a drop in power but a boost in average. Early spring training results are a tad questionable with his 2.40 GB/FB ratio, but that could also be a testing ground for trial and error.
Yankees’ Anthony Volpe’s offseason change that could lead to second-year breakout ⤵️https://t.co/I7kqLtdN4o
— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) March 11, 2024
Volpe's minor league profile was that of a multi-category contributor with a low strikeout rate and high walk rate. At the moment, the Yankees' leadoff hitter is 35-year-old DJ LeMahieu, who has struggled to stay on the field the past two seasons with 63 missed games since 2022.
LeMahieu is also declining as both a hitter and defender, which is natural at his position around this age. If LeMahieu struggles early on and Volpe shines, there will be an opportunity to overtake the leadoff role in a much more potent 2024 Yankees lineup featuring Juan Soto.
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