Here’s Why Yankees Top Prospect Volpe Could Win SS Job

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(New York, NY) – A new report suggests top prospect Anthony Volpe could end up winning the Yankees Opening Day shortstop job. That’s according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, who says “high-level” voices within the organization are supporting the idea of Volpe making the roster.

“A lot of people spoke up,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Wednesday. “We had people in player development, obviously the major league coaching staff, support staff, front office. So it’s good to hear different voices from different perspectives on things they’re seeing and kind of lay your cards on the table a little bit. It was a good first step in helping us make the decision.”

Mar 12, 2023; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (77) is congratulated by manager Aaron Boone (17) after hitting a home run against the Boston Red Sox in the fifth inning during spring training at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

At the start of spring training, Volpe was in an open competition for shortstop with Isiah Kiner-Felefa and Oswald Peraza. Volpe has made some noise with his bat and legs, batting .279 with 2 homers, and 5 stolen bases. Meanwhile, Peraza has been less impressive with a .607 OPS.

Most predict Kiner-Falefa has been unofficially eliminated from the shortstop derby by all accounts and will serve a utility role with the club, and could even spend some time at catcher – which he played with the Texas Rangers.

That leaves Volpe and Peraza.

Mar 9, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Oswald Peraza (91) scores a run against the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The latter has more experience, while the former has had a much stronger spring. It could go either way. And even Volpe does not win, it is only a matter of time before the job is his. With less than a week before the start of the season, the decision could be coming any day.

Volpe, 21, was selected by the Yankees in the first round of the 2019 draft. According to MLB.com, the shortstop is the Bombers top prospect in the organization.

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