3 players who could make or break Yankees World Series chances

1. Anthony Volpe

Volpe is largely expected to start the season in the minors unless he makes an overwhelming case to seize the starting shortstop position during Spring Training. It’s still very likely that Yankee fans will see the team’s No. 1 prospect at some point during the regular season.

One need only look at the impact Jeremy Pena had last year for the Astros’ during their postseason run to understand what’s possible for Volpe. He doesn’t need to be the ALCS MVP to be a difference-maker for the Yankees. If he can give them an energy surge heading into the playoffs it could result in a parade down the Canyon of Heroes for his team.

Volpe’s glove projects as a plus asset at the shortstop position. That’s something the team has lacked since Derek Jeter’s prime. It certainly wasn’t present with Isiah Kiner-Falefa in his first season in pinstripes.

Volpe doesn’t need to be a savior for this franchise to make their World Series dreams come true. Some slick fielding and a few timely hits during the postseason could turn him into a future superstar with a championship ring on his hand. It’s been a long time since the Yankees have had a prospect with Volpe’s star quality develop and pay off in the middle infield. If he turns into a plus shortstop down the stretch it’s going to be a massive development for the franchise.