Here’s a funny thing about expectations: they can either weigh you down or lift you. Anthony Volpe has been on both sides of that scenario in his still-young career. Ever since the day he was called up to the New York Yankees, there have been comparisons with Derek Jeter. Why wouldn’t there be? He’s young like Jeter was and has the potential that people once saw in Captain Clutch. However, in Volpe’s first season, those expectations seemingly weighed him down.

Despite being a Gold Glove winner, Volpe’s offense wasn’t anything spectacular. So an improvement was expected, but what he’s ended up doing is beyond anyone’s wildest expectations. From a scorching hot start to his present 18-game hitting streak, Volpe has become the Yankees’ primary leadoff hitter. What’s more? He’s within arm’s distance of Jeter’s record.

In 2012, Derek Jeter went on a 19-game hitting streak. Hitting streaks wasn’t anything new for Captain Clutch, but this was absurd even by his standards. And to do that right at the tail end of his career—that was incredible. However, Volpe is currently in a directly inverse situation. The Yankees’ shortstop is on an 18-game streak in just his second year in the MLB. If that isn’t potential, what is?

So in a way, Volpe might already be getting ready to live up to the expectations. However, while one still can’t call him the “next Derek Jeter,” one can surely say the Yankees have gold in their hands. Especially because Volpe is doing it while not being at his best. The 23-year-old hasn’t yet reached the highs that he did during the initial phases of this season when everything seemingly went his way. 

That’s something that has raised the hopes of nearly every Yankees fan. More importantly, it has made the skipper excited about witnessing just how high Anthony Volpe can go.

Aaron Boone’s expectations rise as Anthony Volpe owns the Yankees’ leadoff spot

The New York Yankees skipper certainly has a big task on his hands. He has DJ LeMahieu close to his return but can’t play him in his expected position. Risking losing that Volpe-Juan Soto-Aaron Judge combo, which has taken them 20 games over the 500 record, might be a step too far. Especially, as Boone noted, Volpe still has a lot to show. 

“I really don’t even think he’s that hot right now, frankly,” Aaron Boone said before the Yankees’ series opened against the San Diego Padres (via northjersey.com). “For much of that, I don’t feel he’s been on fire,” Boone said about Volpe’s streak. “He’s just playing at a really high level, and we’re seeing a really good player continue to emerge.” 

So it seems Aaron Boone has his work cut out for him, all thanks to Anthony Volpe’s current form. However, it’s the work that Boone won’t mind; after all, that’s just the Yankees’ way.