May 15, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays
(New York, NY) – Yankees rookie shortstop Anthony Volpe is still getting his feet wet as a major leaguer, but the New Jersey native who grew up idolizing Derek Jeter is holding his own.
In fact, he’s on pace to achieve a statistical feat that hasn’t been reached since Mike Trout’s rookie year.
Volpe who has been described by manager Aaron Boone as “the best” baserunner he’s ever seen, has already recorded 13 steals and 7 homers this season. That has him on pace to swat over 25 long balls while swiping 40+ bags.
The only other rookie in MLB history to ever reach those milestones is Mike Trout of the Angels.
He won the MLB rookie of the year award unanimously in 2012 and catapulted that into an already Hall of Fame-worthy career.
“Just play and have fun. Enjoy it and embrace it,” Volpe said. “[I’m] definitely trying to do that.”
The 22-year-old rookie shortstop has hit a bit of a rough patch at the dish the last few weeks, but has homered five times in 17 games since May 1.
Looks like the Yankees, yet again, struck gold.