The New York Yankees season is right around the corner and after a disappointing 2023, the pressure is as high as any season in recent Yankees history. 

While New York had their struggles in an 82-80 campaign, there were bright spots.

Infielder Anthony Volpe made his big league debut and despite struggles at times for the 22-year-old, he proved he has the talent to be a high-end big leaguer.

It was more than what he did on the field. Volpe showed the demeanor of a veteran and that is what is needed at a position once manned by Derek Jeter. It is one of the tougher tasks in baseball and as a rookie, he proved he could handle that.

But Volpe knows there are ways for him to improve. He posted a 3.3 WAR and slashed .209/.283/.383 with 21 home runs. Include his Gold Glove — a Yankees rookie first — and his first year went well enough to give fans and the team hope he’s the right guy for the job.

As he enters the 2024 season, there is more to do. The hope is that he can improve his batting average and have another 20-plus home run season.

Volpe spoke about the season from a personal and team standpoint with MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch:

New York faces pressure that it hasn’t faced in some time, given that the club missed the postseason for the first time since 2016.

The Yankees have made additions this offseason, including signing pitcher Marcus Stroman and trading for outfielder Juan Soto. Pitcher Carlos Rodon should finally be healthy after battling injuries in his first season in New York.

Add an improved Volpe, along with his professional attitude, and he could be in for a season in which he levels up in 2024.