MLB Rumors: Anthony Volpe buzz, Mets prospect battle, Braves concerns

MLB Rumors: Will Anthony Volpe start for Yankees on Opening Day?

The Yankees shortstop competition between Anthony Volpe, Oswald Peraza and Isiah Kiner-Filefa is wining to a close. With Peraza and Volpe the frontrunners, the latter made another massive stride forward on Friday afternoon.

Earlier this morning, The Athletic reported that some within the Yankees front office were making a push for Volpe to start the season in the majors. Were the to happen, he’d be the youngest Yankees Opening Day shortstop since Derek Jeter.

Shortly thereafter, Volpe started at shortstop behind ace Gerrit Cole in a spring training game. Volpe struck out in his first at-bat, but learned quite a bit about Twins starter Pablo Lopez. In his next AB, Volpe made him pay.

Volpe spoke with YES Network during the game, saying that he wasn’t close to reaching his ceiling. Postgame, Pablo Lopez was thoroughly impressed with what he saw from Volpe, a player who is mature beyond his years:

“He saw what he saw from me, and then he went to the plate with a better understanding and idea. Then he executed that plan. That shows a lot of maturity. That shows a lot of promise,” Lopez said.

As much as Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone may want to play it safe with Volpe, he’s making it tough on them.