As Anthony Volpe continues to dominate spring training, Keith McPherson says the starting shortstop competition is over, or at least it should be.
“I think it’s done,” Keith said. “He’s got more home runs than Judge this spring. Does this dude have to out-homer Aaron Judge to make the team?”
Volpe has lifted his spring OPS to 1.084 with three home runs in 50 at-bats, all while showing similar levels of promise at shortstop and on the bases. The team’s top prospect has reportedly won over the confidence of some top Yankee voices within the organization, and given his playing time with other roster mainstays during the final days of spring training action, it seems like Volpe just might get a shot as the team’s Opening Day shortstop.
Sal Licata thought the job would go to Oswald Peraza heading into spring, especially after the hyped prospect hit over .300 down the stretch of last season in his big-league debut. But Volpe has clearly out-performed Peraza this spring, along with many other Yankees, and Keith says he deserves to be rewarded with confidence from the organization.
“You had to watch IKF last year. You go from watching IKF to Oswald Peraza, it’s like watching Zach Wilson and then Mike White…he’s just an upgrade to what you were forced to watch,” Keith said. “Now, Anthony Volpe was given an opportunity to win the job in spring training. He didn’t lose the job, he won the job, and performed better than guys that are making millions on this team.”
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