The New York Yankees are heading into the 2023 MLB season without a clear starting shortstop.
While the team’s shortstop from last season, Isiah Kiner-Falefa is returning this year, his ineffectiveness has upset many Yankees fans.
They also have rookie Oswald Peraza, who showed a lot of potential at the end of last year.
However, the best option may lie in the minor leagues.
Anthony Volpe, their top prospect, is close to breaking his way into the Majors.
Anthony Volpe🤝Top Baseball IQ pic.twitter.com/9pNMNmIT4c
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) January 10, 2023
He projects to be an MLB starter soon, and the Yankees should not hesitate to make him their shortstop.
Here are two reasons why.
2. Face Of The Franchise Potential
Being from New Jersey, Volpe has the potential to be a local, homegrown talent.
He took a chance by signing with the Yankees when they drafted him out of high school and it has paid off.
Now, as one of the highest-rated prospects in baseball, Volpe has the chance to become the next great Yankee.
Back in 1996, the Yankees took a chance by starting Derek Jeter at shortstop.
The rest of history wrote itself, and Jeter changed the trajectory of the franchise.
While those would be high expectations to set for the 21-year-old, Volpe seems to have the mentality to take it.
As such, the Yankees should feel comfortable with putting Volpe in that role.
1. Volpe Is The Most Talented Option
Of the remaining shortstop options, Volpe is the most talented.
Anthony Volpe with his second homer on the year for Somerset, a leadoff bomb. pic.twitter.com/OBl2xecSAi
— Eli Fishman (@elijfishman) April 20, 2022
He projects as a top-of-the-order bat, with impressive speed.
Pair this with his solid defense, and he could be the exact spark that the team needs.
It likely won’t be at the start of this season, but after Volpe gets some Triple-A experience, the Yankees should not hesitate to make him the starting shortstop.
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