My favorite MLB 2025 statistic.

Anthony Volpe has more strikeouts than Aaron Judge.

Volpe is batting .204 with RISP and .167 with two outs and RISP. His strikeout percentages in these situations are preposterous.

With RISP, he has struck out 20 times in 54 at-bats (37% of the time) and with two outs and RISP, he has struck out 12 times in 30 at-bats (40% of the time).

These horrible numbers more or less hold true for his career. When observed over 2 1/3 seasons and 1,400 major league at-bats, it no longer can be dismissed as small-sample-size noise.

Also, why hasn't he learned how to bunt?

Do you know how many sac bunts Volpe has in his career?

Three.

THREE!

Which brings me to my overall observation about his status on the team. His role on the team. The overall strategy. The acknowledgement and utilization of his skill set.

I suppose his defense is good enough, though I think it's overrated.

He has decent power and speed for a middle infielder, though not quite the 30/30 projections and, if I'm extending the general theme, most of his stolen bases/home runs/RBIs hits seem to be in "low leverage" situations.

But why is Volpe batting fifth? Ever?

It's like the Yankees refuse to acknowledge who he is.

"If we bat him leadoff, he'll be a good leadoff hitter."

"If we bat him fifth, he'll be a reliable RBI hitter."

I think he should bat ninth. Maybe eighth in games where Peraza, Escarra, or Vivas are playing. But even then, I'm not sure.

Volpe can steal a base, and batting ninth could conceivably allow the Yankees to steal a run on occasion with the top of the lineup coming up.

Also, I just see no reason whatsoever to maximize the occasions of Volpe batting with RISP.