There's no question that the Yankees are extremely high on their No. 1 prospect, Anthony Volpe. The rumors have been circulating that Volpe has "high-level" support in the Yankees organization to be the Opening Day shortstop
Anthony Volpe, currently on the spring training roster, is posting a .277 BA, 3 HR, 5 RBIs, and a .967 OPS in 47 ABs. Volpe has been the talk surrounding all Yankee fans for the last couple of years and rightfully so.
It's obvious that the Yankees have a plan for Volpe, whether that's on Opening Day or later in the season. The free agent shortstop class has been oozing with talent the last few off-seasons. Names such as Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Dansby Swanson, and most notable, Trea Turner. The Yankees were never serious on a single one of them.
The Yankees farm system is loaded with shortstops. Obviously Volpe and his competitor for the opening day job, Oswald Peraza, who saw time in the majors last season. Peraza's rough spring is making this case for Volpe even more likely. The other competitor for this job is Isiah Kiner-Falefa. The Yankees have been plugging Kiner-Falefa in all over the field the last few weeks. He's reportedly taking reps at catcher again after his outfield starts.
What backs up this case is not only the on-field product but also the maturity that Volpe composes off the field. He grew up in New Jersey as a lifelong Yankee fan and is now taking advice from former Yankee, Willie Randolph. He's embracing the pinstripes and wearing them well. Many within the game have complemented Volpe's work ethic, willingness to help the Yankees, and also just his demeanor.
The shortstop job is not close in many people's mind. Spring training was exactly what Volpe needed to prove how far along the 21 year old is.
Anthony Volpe spring training
.277 BA, 3 HR, 5 RBIs, and a .967 OPS in 47 ABs.
Oswald Peraza spring training
.205 BA, 1 HR, 1 RBI, and a .644 OPS in 39 ABs
Isiah Kiner-Falefa spring training
.250 BA, 1 HR, 3 RBI, and a .730 OPS in 32 ABs
There's no secret that Anthony Volpe will be seen on the field of Yankee Stadium at some point during the 2023 season. However, it could be a whole lot sooner than many may have thought. It's going to be very interesting to see how the Yankees handle their situation regarding this shortstop position. They have three talented players here all capable of providing a winning culture in the Bronx, but only one is making the most of his opportunity during spring training.
コメント