Yankees rumors: Anthony Volpe has powerful support for starting job

Yankees rumors: Top prospect Anthony Volpe could start the season in the majors, as he has support from top executives for the starting shortstop role.

The future is now in New York.

The Yankees passed on start shortstops via free agency in back-to-back offseasons, in part because they believed in what top infield prospects Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza have to offer. Suddenly, they may both find themselves in the majors to begin the 2023 season.

Peraza has the flexibility to play multiple positions, while Volpe is seen by most scouts as a future All-Star at shortstop. In spring training, Volpe proved he could hit MLB pitching.

Anthony Volpe spring training stats

So far this spring, Volpe is hitting .279 with an on-base percentage of .404 and an OPS of .939. His two home runs and five stolen bases prove he can be a five-tool talent when he puts it all together.

Why can’t that be this season?

New York manager Aaron Boone has remained fairly mum on this subject, not wanting to commit to one player over another.

“We’re deciding on some good people, good players,” Boone said on Thursday. “So hopefully, however we go, we’ll be in a good spot.”

Yankees rumors: Executives push for Anthony Volpe to start

Per Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, some within the Yankees organization have made the push for Volpe to get the call:

"“And with about a week until Opening Day, Volpe has had some high-level voices inside the organization supporting his candidacy, multiple people with knowledge of the team’s personnel decisions told The Athletic. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly. Many emphasized the club has been determined to put the best possible team on the field for Opening Day — and that Volpe’s strong debut, coupled with Peraza’s struggles, could put the New Jersey native in the lead.”"

At the end of the day, it’s up to Brian Cashman and Boone as to whether or not they want to force Volpe into action right away, or proceed with caution. Either approach has its pros and cons.