Former New York Yankees player Alex Rodriguez launched a direct criticism of the team’s offensive system, using the performance of Anthony Volpe as an example of a hitting philosophy that he believes is “absolutely broken“.
A-Rod points to a structural problem in the Yankees
During an appearance on WFAN, Alex Rodriguez sparked the debate by openly questioning the way the Yankees develop their hitters. For A-Rod, the case of Anthony Volpe is not an isolated one, but a reflection of a deeper problem within the organization.
He’s a great young man with a great family, (Antony Volpe) and the organization has fallen in love with him, but at some point the numbers don’t lie
Alex Rodriguez highlighted the shortstop’s high number of strikeouts, noting that he has surpassed 150 strikeouts in each of his first Major League seasons, something that limits his offensive impact.
It’s an organizational hitting philosophy that is absolutely broken, and until they fix it, I don’t think they’re going to win big
Volpe’s talent is being wasted according to A-Rod
Rodriguez stressed that Volpe’s main strength is not power, but his speed and ability to generate runs with his legs. However, he believes that the Yankees’ offensive approach has neutralized that tool.
“The biggest way he can impact to win is with his number one tool, which is his legs. But we’ve taken them away from him,” said A-Rod.
In the minors, Volpe surpassed 50 stolen bases and showed a more complete offensive profile. In the majors, that aggressiveness has been reduced, limiting him to just 18 steals in his last season.
Antony Volpe’s numbers in the Bronx
Anthony Volpe was successful in the Yankees minor league system, putting together standout seasons in Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A. However, his production has fallen off in the majors, with a .662 OPS over three seasons and a .212 batting average in his most recent campaign.
Added to this is a major injury, a partial tear in his left shoulder that required surgery and could keep him out until May, creating uncertainty about his future role.
The arrival of Jose Caballero and the competition for Anthony Volpe
With the arrival of Jose Caballero, the Yankees have a defensive alternative while Volpe recovers. General manager Brian Cashman said the organization remains confident in the young shortstop, although he acknowledged that the scenario could change.
Meanwhile, rumors of possible moves for figures such as Bo Bichette or Corey Seager reinforce the feeling that the Yankees are urgently seeking answers.
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