Yankees prospect is 'definitely in the mix' to make Opening Day roster

Anthony Volpe's arrival in New York has been a highly anticipated event. The initial excitement started following the club's decision to draft the New Jersey native at the end of the first round in 2019. Following an outstanding first full season in the minor leagues in 2021, the expectations only rose. 

The Yankees famously passed on big-name free-agent options the last two offseasons in part because they believed Volpe could eventually be that guy himself. 

The 21-year-old's time would appear to be nearing soon if he continues his torrid performance this spring. 

He has done nothing but impress those in the Yankees clubhouse and front office. Manager Aaron Boone is among those impressed, as he told Jon Heyman of the New York Post that Volpe is "definitely in the mix" for the starting shortstop job.

"He's come in here with a lot of expectations and eyeballs on him, and he's performed. It's been fun to be around him and fun to watch him play the game."

While there doesn't appear to be a hurry to make a decision, there's no question Volpe is making his case. In 10 games, Volpe is hitting .321/.424/.679 with a pair of home runs and three stolen bases.  As Heyman notes, he's also earning the respect and attention of the Yankees' veterans. 

Volpe split the 2022 season between Double-A and Triple-A, batting a combined .249/.342/.460 with 35 doubles, 21 home runs, and 50 stolen bases. Only 99 of his 596 plate appearances on the year came at Triple-A, however. 

Oswald Peraza, 22, is the most likely candidate to start the year at shortstop if Volpe begins the year at Scranton. Peraza made his debut last September, hitting .306/.404/.429 while taking playing time from Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Most scouting reports suggest he may be the better defender than Volpe. 

Kiner-Falefa is also technically in the shortstop mix, though he is certainly on the fringes of the conversation. The Yankees are exploring both getting him reps in the outfield to expand his versatility (he was a catcher early in his career before winning a Gold Glove at third base) and potentially explore trade options. 

There's little incentive for New York to keep Volpe in the minors to start the season if he's the best option at shortstop. Should he continue producing like he has this spring, it seems likely Boone will be penciling his name into the lineup in New York in two weeks.