New York Yankees Legend Gives Huge Praise to Second-Year Star

Willie Randolph, a New York Yankees great, gives their young star huge praise heading into the 2024 season.

Anthony Volpe made his highly anticipated debut on Opening Day in 2023. The New York Yankees selected him in the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft, and ever since, fans wanted to see him make an impact. 

The storyline was there.

He played high school baseball in New Jersey, was a Yankees fan growing up, and got to see Derek Jeter become the greatest shortstop in franchise history.

He started the season slow, unsurprisingly, as most rookies do. However, that didn't stop him from putting his head down and getting to work.

According to Willie Randolph, Volpe might be more ready for Major League Baseball than Jeter was at his age.

He said the following to Randy Miller NJ.com, "As a matter of fact, I think Anthony is more polished than Jeter was at the same time."

This is huge praise to the New York shortstop who will have even more pressure to perform in 2023.

Volpe, who did have his struggles at times last season, impressed for a rookie. 

The .209 batting average can improve, but it was more than the stats that impressed for the 22-year-old. Taking over as the Yankees shortstop at 22 isn't an easy task, and instead of folding under pressure, Volpe embraced it every step of the way.

From the good to the bad, the future star did everything the New York way. 

As he enters the 2024 season, the hope is that he can continue to improve.

If last year was any indication, the Yankees and Volpe are in a good position moving forward.