Memorial Day not only heralds the official start of summer but also serves as a pivotal point in the MLB season, as teams have played around 50 games, providing a clearer picture of player performance. This year, it appears that a few players are making notable strides, and there are three significant developments worth highlighting: Cody Bellinger’s resurgence, Anthony Volpe’s development into a power hitter, and Will Warren’s evolution into a promising starter.
Cody Bellinger, who initially struggled this season with a batting line of .204/.281/.357, has turned a corner in May. His performance has skyrocketed, featuring a remarkable .333/.395/.609 line and a wRC+ of 184, which raises his overall season wRC+ to a solid 122. This turnaround can be attributed to Bellinger pulling the ball more effectively—a tactic reminiscent of his 2019 MVP form. By adjusting his batting stance to be more open, he has tapped into his pull power, significantly increasing his percentage of batted balls pulled in the air to 26.1%. Given his elite defensive skills, his continued success will be crucial for the Yankees moving forward.
In a similarly positive vein, Anthony Volpe is experiencing the best season of his young career. Early signs from spring training indicated that he was swinging harder, and that has translated into improved power numbers. Although his batting average has dipped slightly to .239, his hard-hit rate has surged to 48.4%, showcasing his ability to connect with the ball consistently. Volpe’s impressive 10% walk rate, combined with his strong adjustments at the plate—including increased bat speed—has resulted in a promising .754 OPS and a 113 wRC+. This marked improvement has fans optimistic about his future contributions.
Will Warren’s trajectory is also one to watch as he adjusts after a challenging start to the 2025 season. Despite initial struggles, including high walk rates, his powerful arsenal—particularly his sweeper—has started to yield better results. The batting average against his sweeper has significantly dropped to .231, and his impressive spin rate coupled with a healthy whiff rate of 35.5% suggests that he is finding his rhythm on the mound. As he continues to develop, Warren is emerging as an exciting young pitcher to keep an eye on.
These three players exemplify the potential within the Yankees roster and offer a hopeful outlook for the remainder of the season. With growing confidence and consistent performances, Bellinger, Volpe, and Warren could each play pivotal roles in the team’s success as summer unfolds.