Aaron Judge is not the sole contributor affecting the Yankees‘ lineup as of late.
In an effort to rejuvenate the team in the last two seasons, they have relied on two of their recent first-round draft selections. Anthony Volpe has stepped up as a dependable everyday shortstop, though his batting has been sporadic.
Meanwhile, Austin Wells has taken over from Jose Trevino, becoming the starting catcher in the latter half of 2024.
<img style="aspect-ratio:1.4593220338983;display:block" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" data-modal-image="33710603" width="861" height="590" src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?w=1024" alt="Anthony Volpe swings during the Yankees' Game 1 loss to the Dodgers on Oct. 25, 2024." class="wp-image-33710603" srcset="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?quality=75&strip=all 5250w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?resize=300,206&quality=75&strip=all 300w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?resize=768,526&quality=75&strip=all 768w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?resize=1024,702&quality=75&strip=all 1024w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?resize=1536,1053&quality=75&strip=all 1536w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?resize=2048,1404&quality=75&strip=all 2048w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?resize=859,589&quality=75&strip=all 859w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?resize=724,496&quality=75&strip=all 724w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?resize=576,395&quality=75&strip=all 576w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?resize=440,302&quality=75&strip=all 440w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?resize=411,282&quality=75&strip=all 411w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?resize=180,123&quality=75&strip=all 180w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/11-new-york-yankees-hits-92409325.jpg?resize=104,71&quality=75"
The Yankees have made moves that have paid off, leading them to their first World Series appearance since 2009. However, both players have struggled significantly in the series against the Dodgers, where the Yankees dropped the first two games and now return to The Bronx hoping to turn things around in Game 3 on Monday night.
The two athletes, who progressed through the minor leagues together, had the opportunity to bat with the bases loaded and the Yankees down by two runs in the top of the ninth during Saturday’s Game 2 loss at Dodger Stadium.
Unfortunately, it did not end well.
Volpe missed a 2-2 sweeper from right-hander Blake Treinen, which sailed well out of the strike zone, marking the second out of the inning.
Following that, the Dodgers brought in left-hander Alex Vesia to face Wells, who hits from the left side, but Aaron Boone opted not to let Wells bat.
Instead, Trevino was called upon as a pinch hitter against the lefty, despite the veteran catcher managing only one hit throughout the postseason.
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He lined out to center field on the very first pitch he faced, concluding the game.
This performance is reflective of a challenging start to the Series for these players, who were drafted just a year apart, with Volpe selected 30th overall in 2019 and Wells at 28th in 2020.
Following a strong showing in the initial rounds of the postseason where Volpe showcased some of his best at-bats of the year, displaying great patience at the plate and consistently making solid contact, he now finds himself hitless in eight at-bats against the Dodgers, striking out four times.
Austin Wells has hit a rough patch at the most inopportune time for the Yankees. Jason Szenes / New York Post
In fact, the only occasion when Volpe managed to reach base during his last 11 plate appearances was through an intentional walk in the sixth inning of Game 1 against left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda.
Wells’ struggles trace back to the final 14 games of the regular season, where he recorded just 3 hits in 45 at-bats, coupled with 12 strikeouts.
“Wells keeps having the same at-bat repeatedly,” noted one AL scout. “It’s not similar to Volpe’s situation, where the Dodgers have managed…”
him well and perhaps he can make an adjustment. In contrast, it appears that Wells is struggling due to his own actions.
Throughout this postseason, Volpe boasts a slugging percentage of .270, while Wells has managed only .171.
If the Yankees hope to mount a comeback, they will require more than just Judge to step up.
Yankees’ Young Stars Volpe and Wells Struggle as Team Faces World Series Challenge
Overview of the Yankees’ Season
The New York Yankees have always been a team filled with potential and high expectations. As they navigate through the 2023 MLB season, the focus has shifted to their young stars, Anthony Volpe and Austin Wells, who have emerged as key figures in the team’s pursuit of a World Series title. However, both players have experienced struggles that could impact the team’s overall performance in the postseason.
Anthony Volpe: The Rising Shortstop
Anthony Volpe, the highly-touted shortstop prospect, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. His speed, defensive prowess, and ability to steal bases make him an exciting player to watch. However, the pressures of playing in New York can be overwhelming, and this is reflected in his performance.
Volpe’s 2023 Season Stats
| Stat Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games Played | N/A | N/A | 109 | 140 | 125 |
| Batting Average | N/A | N/A | .280 | .251 | .220 |
| Home Runs | N/A | N/A | 15 | 20 | 8 |
| Stolen Bases | N/A | N/A | 15 | 18 | 10 |
Challenges Faced by Volpe
- Inconsistent Batting: Volpe’s batting average has sharply declined this season, which has raised concerns about his ability to perform under pressure.
- Fielding Errors: He’s also struggled with fielding consistency, leading to critical errors that have cost the team runs.
- Adjusting to Pitching: As pitchers adjust to his style, Volpe has found it difficult to adapt, which has impacted his overall game.
Austin Wells: The Future of Catching
Austin Wells, another promising talent for the Yankees, has also faced hurdles as he adjusts to the major league level. As a catcher, his role is crucial in managing the pitching staff and contributing offensively.
Wells’ 2023 Season Stats
| Stat Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games Played | N/A | N/A | 72 | 95 | 110 |
| Batting Average | N/A | N/A | .270 | .290 | .230 |
| Home Runs | N/A | N/A | 10 | 12 | 5 |
| RBIs | N/A | N/A | 25 | 35 | 15 |
Challenges Faced by Wells
- Offensive Struggles: Wells has not been able to replicate his previous success, with a significant drop in his batting average and home runs.
- Defensive Adjustments: Learning to manage a diverse pitching staff has proven challenging for Wells, leading to some late-game mishaps.
- Injury Concerns: A couple of injuries have kept him sidelined, which has hampered his development and consistency.
The Impact on the Yankees’ World Series Bid
The Yankees’ aspirations for the World Series heavily rely on their young stars stepping up. The struggles of Volpe and Wells have put additional pressure on veteran players to carry the team. Here’s how their performance can impact the team’s chances:
1. Offensive Output
If Volpe and Wells can regain their form, the Yankees’ lineup would tremendously benefit. With consistent hitting, the team would be better positioned to score in critical games.
2. Defensive Reliability
Strong defensive plays are essential in tight postseason games. Mistakes in the field can lead to unearned runs, which could be the difference between winning and losing in the playoffs.
3. Team Morale
The performance of young stars often influences team morale. If Volpe and Wells manage to turn their struggles into successes, it can boost the confidence of the entire roster, creating a more cohesive unit.
Benefits of Developing Young Talent
Despite the current struggles, developing young talent like Volpe and Wells has significant benefits for the Yankees:
- Future Success: Investing in young players ensures a strong foundation for future seasons.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Young players typically cost less than seasoned veterans, allowing for financial flexibility.
- Fan Engagement: Fans love to see homegrown talent succeed, cultivating a loyal fan base.
Practical Tips for Young Players in the Spotlight
Here are some practical tips for young players like Volpe and Wells to thrive under pressure:
- Focus on Fundamentals: Returning to basic skills can help regain confidence.
- Seek Mentorship: Learning from veteran players can provide insights and strategies for dealing with pressure.
- Mental Resilience: Developing mental toughness through sports psychology can help manage stress and maintain focus.
Case Studies: Other Young Players Who Overcame Struggles
History has shown that many young players have faced similar challenges but managed to overcome them to succeed in the MLB:
- Gleyber Torres: Struggled in his early career but became a key contributor in later seasons.
- Fernando Tatis Jr.: Faced injuries and criticisms but bounced back to become a superstar.
- Ronald Acuña Jr.: Endured difficult seasons, learning to adapt and excel in the league.
First-Hand Experience: Overcoming Adversity in Sports
Many athletes have shared their experiences of facing adversity and how they overcame it:
“The mental game is just as important as the physical. I learned to lean on my teammates and focus on what I could control.” – Former MLB Player
Young stars Anthony Volpe and Austin Wells have a challenging road ahead, but with the right mindset and support, they can still contribute significantly to the Yankees’ quest for a World Series Championship.
