Yankees' Anthony Volpe focused on how (and when) he swings - ESPN

NEW YORK — All eyes at Yankee Stadium were on Anthony Volpe a year ago. That's what happens when a 21-year-old hometown kid breaks camp as the New York Yankees' starting shortstop. On Friday, one week into his sophomore season, he was a sidebar for the club's home opener. Juan Soto, not Volpe, was the newcomer everybody wanted to see. Volpe operated in the background.

If all goes as planned following an offseason of adjustments, Volpe won't operate there for long.

«I think we're seeing just a more mature player,» Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before the Yankees' 3-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. «Not surprising considering his ability, his talent, work ethic and aptitude.»

The difference in Volpe at the plate from 2023 was immediately evident during spring training. It has already surfaced in different ways early this season, both in his production and in the batter's box.

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On Friday, for example, he got ahead 2-0 in his first plate appearance before stroking a single. He repeated the formula in his final at-bat in the ninth inning. Boone noted the difference over a week ago, during Volpe's final plate appearance on Opening Day in Houston.

Volpe went down looking on five pitches against Josh Hader, the Astros' all-world closer, to end the top of the ninth inning. Two of the strikes were borderline, at best. Volpe didn't chase.

It's not often that a batter striking out is notable, in a good way, for his manager. But Boone was impressed. A year ago, chances are Volpe would have