On Sunday, March 26th, 2023, the New York Yankees and other news outlets had begun reporting that the 21-year-old phenom, Anthony Volpe, had made the Yankees opening day roster. After playing great this spring, this was truly no surprise. Volpe had impressed fans and experts all across the country with his play this spring, as he outhit most of the Yankees roster. With other Yankees infielders such as Isiah Kiner-Falefa falling short of expectations, Volpe had a clear path to the Majors. With Volpe making the MLB roster, what’s next for the young star? What does this mean for the Yankees? Today, we will be taking a look at how this will impact both parties in 2023.

Volpe’s Spring is a Great Sign of What’s to Come

Anthony Volpe was arguably the Yankees best hitter this spring, as he out played most of the Yankees at big league camp. This spring, Volpe’s tools were truly on display, as he hit 3 homers, posted an OPS over 1.000, 5 RBI, 5 stolen bases, and was responsible for many defensive highlights on the left side of the infield.

Volpe is a true 5-tool player, as he possesses incredible speed, power, overall hit tool, and fielding ability as long as much more. For many, this spring breakout was the first chance many people had to fully see the talents of the young shortstop for themselves. With the word spreading in 2022 that Volpe was making a name for himself throughout the MiLB, many were ecstatic that Volpe would be getting a chance with the big league team during the spring.

Some may say that Volpe has always been destined to be the Yankees future shortstop, as he grew up as a fan of the team. Volpe even attended camps with the likes of Derek Jeter when he was young. As we’ve discussed in this section, Volpe’s numbers are the part that has fans the most excited, but the Yankees are also getting a passionate, young, and humble star to add to the roster. The Anthony Volpe time is here, and he will not be leaving anytime soon.

Where Will Volpe Fit In?

Volpe, primarily a shortstop will have some slight competition at his position, but it appears he has beat out both. Oswald Peraza was Volpe’s main competition, but with him being optioned back to AAA Scranton, Volpe’s main opposition is Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Though, with Aaron Boone explaining that he wants IKF to work in the outfield some, and with his past struggles, it’s fair to assume Volpe has also beaten out IKF. Anthony Volpe should become a really solid option for the leadoff spot as well, with his speed and high contact skills being very valuable for the top of the lineup.

My prediction based off what we have seen this spring will be that Anthony Volpe will leadoff and play shortstop daily for the Bronx Bombers, and it won’t be long until his impact is felt.

Predicting Some Numbers

Based on looking at Anthony Volpe’s MiLB numbers, we can make a fair guess as to how he will preform this upcoming season. Volpe played the majority of his 132 games in 2022 at AA Somerset. At Somerset, Volpe slugged to 18 homers, 11.5% BB%, 17.7% K%, .358 wOBA, 44 stolen bases, and a 122 wRC+. This is absolutely fantastic, especially from a player many consider to be a leadoff hitter. Volpe would then go on to play the rest of his 132 games at AAA Scranton, after a late season promotion. There, he would slug 3 homers, .320 wOBA, and a 91 wRC+. Although Volpe was off to a slightly slow start in Scranton, he will undoubtedly be able to make the transition to the big leagues in 2023.

Given his numbers in 2022, I predict Volpe to hit 23 homers, 12.7% BB%, 19% K%, 362 wOBA, and a 124 wRC+. These numbers would be great, especially considering the Yankees shortstop struggles in the past, and where Volpe should be hitting in the lineup. These numbers should also have Volpe in the running for the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year Award, as he will fully live up to expectations.

Time Will Tell

Although I can make predictions and more, only time will truly tell how Anthony Volpe will preform in 2023. Though it can’t be certain, I can only imagine Volpe will continue to prove that the Yankees got a true 5-tool player on the field, and a stand up guy off the field. Volpe is truly one of baseball’s brightest young stars, and I think I speak for most of the baseball world when I say I cannot wait to see him preform this upcoming season. Congrats Anthony, now go show us what you can do in 2023.