Before spring training even kicked off, Anthony Volpe had already made a very serious impression with his early arrival. While Yankees position players were officially due on February 16, Volpe was in Tampa by December. He committed to rigorous preparation, including daily workouts, batting practice, and fielding drills at the team’s training facility, save for a brief holiday trip to New Jersey.
Volpe’s early presence wasn’t merely about capitalizing on a chance with the Yankees’ vacant shortstop spot. As a 21-year-old with just 22 Triple-A games under his belt, his focus was on serious improvement and gearing up for his debut major-league spring training.
Aaron Judge, who had recently signed a massive $360 million contract, also observed Volpe’s dedication. When games commenced, Volpe’s performance quickly stood out. He excelled in his first spring training game, hitting 2-for-4 with a double and swiping two bases on consecutive pitches.
Third baseman Josh Donaldson commented, “He was showing off,” reflecting the impact of Volpe’s display.
As Volpe continued to outperform his peers, Judge made a striking statement: “If you’re the best player, it doesn’t matter your age. If you’re the best for the Yankees, you should be playing, whether you’re 19 or 31.”
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner supported this view, suggesting that Volpe’s impressive spring performance made him a legitimate contender for the shortstop role, despite rookie Oswald Peraza being initially favored. On March 15, Steinbrenner praised Volpe, acknowledging his readiness and versatility.
By the following Sunday, the Yankees confirmed their decision: Peraza was sent to Triple-A, and Volpe secured the shortstop position for Opening Day.
Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the buzz surrounding Volpe, noting that his performance had captured the attention of veteran players and was expected to provide a spark for the team.