Anthony Volpe, the New York Yankees’ rookie shortstop, won the gig fair and square thanks to a brilliant spring training performance.
However, his experience at Triple-A was very limited and he has looked overmatched at times in MLB.
The decision to give him the shortstop position at the time, in March, was applauded by most: he is the best prospect in the Yankees system, better than his competitor for the gig in spring training, Oswald Peraza.
Peraza, however, is far more MLB-ready than Volpe, and he is showing it in Triple-A.
I’m starting to wonder if the Yankees make a swap at SS soon.
Oswald Peraza (AAA)
161 PA, .292/.360/.563, 11 HR, 11 SB, 14.9% KAnthony Volpe (MLB)
269 PA, .189/.264/.350, 9 HR, 15 SB, 30.9% KWith that said, I still have faith in Volpe & would buy low if possible in dynasty.
— Eric Cross (@EricCross04) June 20, 2023
As Eric Cross, a fantasy analyst, said in the above tweet, the Yankees might be internally considering calling up Peraza and sending down Volpe.
Last week, both managing partner and owner Hal Steinbrenner and manager Aaron Boone gave Volpe a vote of confidence to remain in the bigs and fight through his struggles.
However, if he doesn’t improve, the situation could reach a point in which Peraza, also deserving of an extended chance in MLB, forces his way up.
There is no shame in going to the minors, making some adjustments, and returning later in the season for a prospect, especially a young one like Volpe.
He remains an integral part of the team’s future, but could use some time in Triple-A to work on his swing and his mechanics.
Peraza has been red-hot for weeks now while playing in Scranton and while he doesn’t have Volpe’s ceiling, the floor at this moment is much higher, he is better defensively, and is similarly speedy.
It will be very interesting to see what the Yankees decide.
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