Anthony Volpe might've unlocked level of swag Yankees fans didn't think was possible

It’s safe to say that Anthony Volpe has had his share of tough stretches this season. As of Aug. 15, he had 16 errors in 120 games, giving him a fielding percentage of .961, the lowest thus far of his three-year career. His 16 errors are also the most of any player in the American League, and he’s tied for the most errors among all major leaguers this season.

At one point, his play became such a target of criticism and scorn that manager Aaron Boone was forced to defend the shortstop on an almost daily basis. It also didn’t help that Volpe slumped at the plate. Before the All-Star break, he had a slash line of .214/.287/.384, notching 10 home runs in 341 at-bats. Aside from an uptick in slugging percentage, the numbers were worse than his 2024 season, in which he finished with a 86 OPS+.

Post-All-Star break Volpe has been smashing baseballs with a new-found power and swagger

But post-All-Star break Volpe has been a different story, and a happy one at that. His slash line improved to .239/.292/.568. In that time, he's also hit eight homers in 88 at-bats.

Not only did he start knocking balls out of the park like nobody’s business, but he also put some stank on his dingers with the occasional bat flip. And if the swagger doesn’t impress, his improved fielding should; Volpe hasn’t committed an error since July 30.

All of this has left Yankees fans wondering just who this new and improved Anthony Volpe is exactly. Where did this swagger come from? What happened during the All-Star break? Was it more chicken parm? Did Aaron Judge suggest some sort of magical whey protein?

Whatever Volpe might’ve adjusted with his swing, it’s working. And after an especially tough season that saw the baseball world wondering if the Yankees’ latest golden boy might be a bust, it’s a welcome surprise.

Post-break Volpe is a whole new man, and Yankees fans should count their blessings. If the streak continues, 2025 could easily be the New Jersey native’s best season at the plate. At that point, maybe we can put all the frustration and criticisms in the rearview.