New York Yankees fans excited to see rookie Anthony Volpe in leadoff role
New York Yankees fans' desire to see prospect Anthony Volpe in action is insatiable. Despite being just 21 years of age and never having appeared in an MLB game, fans already want him in a starting role.
Anthony Volpe, a native of New Jersey, was the Yankees' first overall draft pick in 2019. Since then, he has spent his time on the Yankees' affiliate teams. Volpe split his 2022 season between Triple-A and Double-A, hitting .249/.352/.460 with 21 home runs and 65 RBIs.
Alongside 22-year-old Venezuelan Oswald Peraza, Volpe is widely regarded as the future of the organization. That's why fans were more than pleased to see the dynamic young duo in key lineup spots during a recent preseason game.
On March 2, the New York Yankees are heading to LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida, to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. The official Yankees lineup features Peraza in the number 5 spot, with Volpe hitting the leadoff.
The Boys take Bradenton 👇 https://t.co/zAZxk4SeRn
"The Boys take Bradenton" - New York Yankees
This was much to the delight of Yankees fans, who harshly criticized the team for playing players like Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the middle infield. "IKF" came to the Yankees from the Minnesota Twins last year. In 2022, he hit four home runs and .261 in 142 games.
@Yankees Volpe being the leadoff hitter I really like that!
@Yankees Volpe Waldo and Peraza all in the same lineup I might just pass away
@Yankees VOLPE AND PERAZA MY GUYS
Unlike Anthony Volpe, Oswald Peraza has MLB experience. He was called up to the Yankees last September and hit .306 over the course of 12 games. Fans are also excited about third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera.
Some are even favoring Oswaldo Cabrera. Cabrera already has 3 RBIs in spring training, while 2022 third baseman Josh Donaldson is struggling to get things going once again.
@Yankees Waldo, Ozzie, Volpe infield 🥳🥳
So far in the preseason, Anthony Volpe has gone 3-for-8 with 2 runs scored and a double over a pair of games.
@Yankees No IKF https://t.co/3S9CUnk1Ni
@Yankees That 2B-SS-3B is what I want to see more
@Yankees LEADOFFVOLPE
Although fans have made it clear that they prefer Volpe and Peraza in the opening lineup, it is unlikely that one or both of them will be tending to the middle infield on Opening Day.
Yankees fans should check out Anthony Volpe while they can
Competition in the middle infield will also be coming from second baseman Gleyber Torres, who had a resurgent year offensively in 2022 and will likely take priority at his position. Although both Peraza and Volpe are showing glowing promise, it will probably be a few more years before these two become the faces of their organization.