The New York Yankees have been solving some of their toughest spring training decisions and position battles in the last few hours.
They announced on Sunday that uber-prospect Anthony Volpe made the team as the starting shortstop over Oswald Peraza.
Josh Donaldson has cemented his place as the starting third baseman with a strong spring, and Aaron Judge will man center most of the time until Harrison Bader returns.
The roster, however, is not yet finalized.
“Aaron Boone said on @YESNetwork that the club should decide their final roster spots in the next 24-36 hours. Q: Greg Weissert vs. Ian Hamilton; OF: Estevan Florial vs. Willie Calhoun vs. Rafael Ortega (Boone also said club is surveying MLB landscape),” Yankees insider Bryan Hoch tweeted.
Aaron Boone said on @YESNetwork that the club should decide their final roster spots in the next 24-36 hours.
Q: Greg Weissert vs. ian hamilton
OF: Estevan Florial vs. Willie Calhoun vs. Raphael Ortega
(Boone also said club is surveying MLB landscape)
—Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 27, 2023
On Sunday, it was announced that Ron Marinaccio, Jimmy Cordero and Albert Abreu also made the team.
There is a bullpen spot up for grabs, and it will come down to Weissert and Hamilton.
Weissert had a 3.68 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP in spring training; while Hamilton was unscored upon in 8.1 innings.
There is also a reserve outfielder spot available, and at least three viable candidates: Calhoun, Florial, and Ortega.
They have offensive potential in Calhoun, good defense and speed in Florial, and a little bit of both with Ortega.
We will see what area the Yankees prioritize the most at the moment of making their pick.
Injuries have hit them hard, but once everyone is healthy, the Yankees look like a legitimate contender in the American League.
Will it be enough to beat the Houston Astros and the rest of the emerging powerhouses in the American League?
NEXT:
Anthony Volpe Comments On An Important Decision
