The New York Yankees have not one, but two excellent shortstop prospects battling for the position at the MLB level.
Oswald Peraza is the likely starter, but minor leaguer and top Yankees prospect Anthony Volpe is not giving up on his dream.
In the spring, he is hitting .321/.424/.679 with two home runs, three stolen bases, and a 1.103 OPS.
Let’s not forget that, in the minors, he hit 27 homers and stole 33 bases in 2021 and had 21 and 50 in 2022.
He is the real deal.
Does he have any realistic chances of making the Yankees roster?
Let’s see what team owner and managing partner Hal Steinbrenner thinks.
“Could Anthony Volpe really break camp with the #Yankees? Hal Steinbrenner: ‘Anything’s possible. Look, we’re always concerned about our minor league players. Are they truly ready? Because this is not New York, and this is not the regular season. So we’ll just have to see,’” Yankees insider Bryan Hoch tweeted.
Could Anthony Volpe really break camp with the #Yankees?
Hal Steinbrenner: “Anything’s possible. Look, we’re always concerned about our minor league players. Are they truly ready? Because this is not New York, and this is not the regular season. So we’ll just have to see.”
—Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 15, 2023
He is leaving the door open for the impressive rookie to break camp with the team while also acknowledging that the team wants to make sure he is ready for the regular season and facing MLB pitchers every day.
There is an argument to be made that he can use some additional time in Triple-A, as he had a so-so showing last year (.718 OPS in 22 games).
In any case, Volpe could also be an option at second base should the Yanks trade Gleyber Torres eventually.
A middle infield with Peraza and Volpe can be one of the best in baseball for years to come if both players hit their ceilings.
They both seem ready to dominate at the highest level.
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The Yankees Are Dealing With A Shocking Team Problem
