Aaron Boone on Anthony Volpe's development: "We’re paying attention"
The New York Yankees are in the midst of a battle for the team's starting shortstop, and Anthony Volpe is making a pretty good case. The highly-rated 21-year-old looks like a natural in the position and may get his chance sooner rather than later.
Volpe has been one of the Yankees’ standout players in spring training. So far, he has five hits, four runs, a home run, and an RBI after 15 at-bats. He has an impressive .333/.375/.667 slash line and a 1.042 OPS. The Yankees' coaches will find it difficult to ignore Volpe if he continues in this type of form.
Manager Aaron Boone was recently asked what it would take for the young infielder to get a shot in the big leagues:
"It’s hard to answer what the criteria is. But we’re paying attention."
Per a recent article in the New York Post, Boone went on to say that Volpe is "a good player" and mentioned his lack of major league experience as an issue.
Anthony Volpe CONTINUES to rake this spring https://t.co/2I7P0QZjnT
"Anthony Volpe CONTINUES to rake this spring" - Talkin' Yanks
Volpe is yet to make an appearance in the big leagues. In fact, he only made his jump to the Yankees AAA affiliate late in the 2022 season.
The right-handed hitter played 22 games with the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders last year. He has 89 at-bats under his belt and finished with a .236/.313/.404 slash line. During that stretch, he recorded three home runs, five RBIs, and six stolen bases.
Manager Aaron Boone has been impressed with SS Anthony Volpe's performances at spring training
The New York Yankees have had difficulty finding an established shortstop.
The club chose to stay out of the free agency market despite several high-profile infielders that were available. Trea Turner ended up signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, Xander Bogaerts with the San Diego Padres, and Carlos Correa with the Minnesota Twins.
"We're paying attention." - Aaron Boone, on Anthony Volpe
"We're paying attention." - Aaron Boone, on Anthony Volpe" - Bryan Hoch
Volpe faces competition from Oswald Peraza and Isiah Kiner-Falefa for the position. Kiner-Falefa holds the advantage with seniority. Peraza is a rising star with MLB experience to his name.
The Yankees also experimented with DJ LeMahieu, Gleyber Torres, and Oswaldo Cabrera in their positions last season.
Anthony Volpe still has a few weeks to stake his claim for the starting job. He is doing everything in his power to make an impression. Aaron Boone will have a difficult choice to make come Opening Day.