Yankees: Anthony Volpe has a head start for the shortstop position

For the past few months, we have really wondered who will be the Yankees’ shortstop player for the club’s 2023 season. This is the most interesting fight at the New York camp.

And let’s say that right now, we feel that it’s Anthony Volpe who is in the driver’s seat.

For the past few weeks, we really feel that he has a head start… and the rumor going around right now is that the Yankees are leaning towards him.

There is a good chance that he will get the job.

Many more MLB notes: Volpe gains even more support in SS battle (but still a little debate going on), Ohtani, Yamamoto, Acuna, Urias, Reynolds, Goldy, Waino, morehttps://t.co/v97dMujvfO

—Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 24, 2023

Volpe, a top pick in 2019, is a New Jersey native who grew up wanting to be Derek Jeter. Whoever played in the AA (and a little in the AAA) in 2022 has a great maturity that is boasted within the Yankees organization.

Aaron Judge and DJ LeMahieu also support those who know a good training camp.

Some high-level voices inside the Yankees organization have supported Anthony Volpe’s push to make the Opening Day roster, multiple sources tell The Athletic.

Volpe has impressed with his maturity and has earned public praise from Captain Aaron Judge.https://t.co/VkFejGQ1Cv

— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) March 24, 2023

We must not forget that for two off seasons, the Yankees have not signed a star shortstop to make room for young people… including him. Oswald Peraza is another name.

This means that if he deserves his place, the Bombardiers will make him.

But we must not forget that it can be a lot of pressure. After all, the Yankees have World Series aspirations and it shouldn’t be suffocated.

But within the organization, there seems to be a predominant belief that he can take it.

Anyone who exceeds expectations at camp makes his family so happy that he gets every chance in the world to show off with dignity.

For example? Today the Yankees are playing a doubleheader. Peraza is playing away and Volpe is playing at home with a few regulars – and behind Gerrit Cole.

In addition to the reporting here: Anthony Volpe is starting at SS behind Cole in the ace’s final spring training start, in the home half of a split-squad, while Oswald Peraza (Volpe’s main SS competition) is in Sarasota for the nightcap. Again: Nothing decided, but intriguing. https://t.co/UkUJC3cLHZ

— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) March 24, 2023

And guess what?

In the third inning, Volpe hit his third home run in training camp. Let’s say that this will help him make his place, that…

Note also that Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the shortstop in 2022, is predestined for a useful position… which will potentially include the position of receiver. IFK hasn’t played shortstop in over two weeks at camp and rumors even have him sent to Los Angeles to help fill in for Gavin Lux.

There are a few days left before confirming everything, but Volpe has done his job.

• Édouard Julien challenged Aaron Judge’s arm: bad idea.

• He also hit a long ball.

• Mike Trout against Shohei Ohtani: it made an impression.

• Is Bryan Reynolds in Pittsburgh to stay?

Sources: Pirates are trying to extend CF Bryan Reynolds, before the season if possible. The Pirates previously had offered about $76M for 6 years but were so far apart Reynolds requested a trade. Bucs want to keep him though. FA after 2025.

—Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 24, 2023