Anthony Volpe's epic return to Yankees could be the start of all-time redemption arc

Before Anthony Volpe officially got recalled by the Yankees as Jazz Chisholm Jr. was headed for the injured list, there were plenty of doubters voicing their displeasure with the expected decision. They went as far as trying to discount Volpe's incredible Triple-A heater that, without question, earned him the promotion. Wasn't that what everybody was complaining about in the first place? About how the Yankees weren't implementing a merit-based system with the handling of Volpe?

If he's going to get dragged through the mud for slumping offensively and making defensive miscues, then his positive production can't be downplayed. That's just how it goes. It's the same thing with Aaron Boone. Chastise him for a poor lineup decision all you want, but don't disregard his ability to navigate an incredibly thin bullpen.

After Thursday night, anybody irrationally hounding Volpe for merely existing as a baseball player should be legally required to crawl back into their holes because his return featured a career performance.

He recorded a clean game at second base (his first at a position other than shortstop since debuting in 2023) and went 3-for-5 with a run scored and five RBI. That included a grand slam and a 3-for-3 showing with runners in scoring position.

If you're feeling anything other than happiness for the man, then you are an individual beyond repair. Hopefully Yankees fans giving him a curtain call can go a long way in shifting this damaged discourse.

Can Anthony Volpe be the Yankees' future second baseman?

There's still a long road ahead for Volpe. There's no denying that. The biggest problem with his game is harnessing consistency. The flashes of spectacular talent have always been there — after all, he was regarded as a five-tool prospect and was a consensus top name as he made his way through the Yankees' system. Perhaps Thursday night against a lowly Rockies team was just that. But, to us, it seems far too coincidental.

Volpe's positive production before his demotion typically came in losses or empty moments (excluding his postseason contributions, obviously). The best example that comes to mind was the infamous series in Miami after last year's trade deadline that ended in disaster. It felt like horrible bad luck coupled with an inability to tune out the noise and get out of his own head. We'll probably never know the truth, but that's our best guess.

But something tells us there's greater meaning behind Volpe's first career game with five or more RBI that broke things open against the Rockies, fueled a sweep, extended the Yankees' Wild Card lead over the Red Sox, and closed the gap in the AL East race with the Rays (who lost Thursday afternoon against the Braves).

If there's not, then we have our answer. Volpe probably won't be with the team in 2027 if his current reintroduction doesn't go well. But if this is a sign of things to come? We could be looking at an all-time Yankees redemption arc. And if we're willing to be optimistic about it ...

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