In 2022, shortstop was one of the least productive positions for the New York Yankees.
Heading into the 2023 season, the team has made no external moves to upgrade the position.
However, they are likely going to rely on a number of internal options to give the team a boost.
The first option is the return of Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
ISIAH KINER-FALEFA GRAND SLAM! 4-1 YANKS! pic.twitter.com/A08NDBnFXm
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 8, 2022
While Kiner-Falefa wasn’t the best shortstop in baseball last season, he was the recipient of a lot of criticism from Yankees fans.
His poor defense was particularly highlighted, as Kiner-Falefa struggled fielding balls hit directly at him.
However, he was one of the few Yankees hitters with low strikeout numbers and performed well in big scenarios.
Though this would be supremely unpopular, it is likely that the Yankees start the season with Kiner-Falefa as their Opening Day shortstop.
Another likely option is Oswald Peraza, the 22-year-old rookie who made his debut last season.
In 49 at-bats, Peraza hit .306 with a home run.
He is also known for his renowned defense, which was on full display during the playoffs.
For players currently on the team, Peraza projects best as a big league shortstop.
There are some concerns about his bat playing at that level, but he showed glimpses of being a solid hitter in his first taste of MLB action.
If he has a strong Spring Training, there is a chance Peraza could start on Opening Day.
The final option is top prospect Anthony Volpe, but this would likely be later in the season.
Anthony Volpe:
• 125 wRC+
• 37 SBs
• 41 XBHs
• 18.4% K%Our future superstar.
pic.twitter.com/Rex5qbTkJO— Ryan Garcia (In the Lab🧪) (@RyanGarciaESM) July 29, 2022
Volpe has dominated minor league baseball in the last two years, but projects better at second base.
While the Yankees are high on him, they will want him to prove himself at the triple-A level before giving him the call up.
If nobody is producing at shortstop around June, then Volpe may be the choice.
NEXT: Yankees Drawing Interest From Munetaka Murakami