Anthony Volpe might surprise the Yankees in spring training

Not many expect New York Yankees prospect Anthony Volpe to win the starting shortstop position, given his lack of experience at the AAA level. While his faith and ability to translate during spring training may be low, Volpe is ready to join a clinic, and is working hard in the off-season to prepare for the opportunity.

The Morristown, NJ native has been waiting for this moment his whole life, refusing to back down and hosting an impeccable work ethic to get the job done. Second general manager Brian Cashman opened the door for Volpe, who had a chance to get rid of Oswald Peraza and veteran Isiah Keener-Valeva, got right into action.

The Yankees saw potential in Anthony Volpe in 2022:

Last season, the 5-11 shortstop enjoyed 110 games with the Somerset Patriots at AA and 22 games at Scranton with AAA. He started his season on a note, hitting . 197 with a . 329 OBP during the first month. At best, the first two months of his life were bleak, but it wasn’t until June that things began to take shape. He hit .298 with .360 OBP in June, compounding that success to .296 with .416 OBP in July. Over the sample size of his 110 games with Somerset, he hit . 251 with a 0.348 OBP, 18 homers, 60 RBIs, and an impressive 44 stolen bases.

Once he joined AAA, Volpe took a step back, adjusting to the new level of talent. While he began his tenure with Scranton enjoying a six-game series, after that he struggled to find his groove. Volpe is the type of player that needs experience and reps at any given level to adapt, and the game starts to slow down.

That’s why a transfer from AAA to the majors sometime this year makes so much sense, but Anthony is serious about his goals and doesn’t back down from a fight in spring training.

“He’s very serious about the things he wants to achieve this year,” Lawson said in a phone interview. “He’s not uptight. He’s open to anything and everything in terms of a challenge.”

said Dillon Lawson, via The Athletic’s Brendan Cotey.

While Peraza appears to be ahead of Volpe and Ikef, he played just 18 games at the major league level last season. While his numbers look solid and his defensive attributes are sensational, Volpe has one of the best running backs in the farm system, let alone of any minor league team across the entire board.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the young player rise to the occasion and compile impressive numbers this spring, making the decision even more difficult for coach Aaron Boone and his coaching staff.

I suppose he looks good enough to make the jump right away. In which case, the Yankees shouldn’t hold him back, considering he represents the future of the organization, both at shortstop and second base.