The most favored contestant for the rookie of the year award, Anthony Volpe, is likely to end up behind a 21-year-old shortstop.
Anthony Volpe, the top prospect of the New York Yankees, aced the recently concluded spring training and earned a much-deserving spot on the opening-day roster. The rookie is set to become the youngest player, after the legend Derek Jeter, to debut in the major league for the Bombers. Since day 1, Volpe has maintained a hype wherein almost all fans and critics are talking about him.
Naturally, one would assume that this 21-year-old will sweep the rookie of the year award for this season. Moreover, his numbers in spring speak for themselves. If Anthony Volpe manages to carry on the same form, if not better, even then, he is most likely the winner of the rookie award. However, a panel of several MLB experts believes otherwise.
MLB Experts Do Not See Anthony Volpe Winning The Rookie Of The Year Award
Despite a promising start to his rookie season, New York Yankees infielder Anthony Volpe is likely to face tough competition for the American League Rookie of the Year award from Baltimore Orioles prospect Gunnar Henderson. Volpe impressed everyone in spring training with his versatility and strong offensive performance. He has shown the ability to play multiple infield positions and has posted a batting average of .314 with 3 home runs and 5 RBIs. Hence, he was awarded the shortstop position on the Yankees’ opening-day roster.
However, Gunnar Henderson, the Baltimore Orioles’ shortstop of the same age, is likely to edge past Anthony Volpe in the rookie of the year race. Recently, MLB.com conducted a poll asking its experts to predict this season’s top rookie. Moreover, the panel of 87 experts voted for Gunnar, making him the leading contender for the rookie of the year race.
Gunnar played 34 games last season with the Orioles and recorded .259 with 4 home runs and 18 RBIs in total. Hence, the race for the ultimate title is going to be a competitive one for Volpe. Regardless, the Yankees prospect is not new to this pressure of beating the tough competition, as he faced and successfully won one during the spring campaign.
Derek Jeter Extends Best Wishes To Yankees Newest Shortstop
Meanwhile, Anthony Volpe remains focused on his opening-day debut. He will play starting shortstop in the lineup and will most probably come out to bat at ninth. However, the position can differ according to changes in circumstances during the matchup. Nonetheless, the high point is that Volpe is getting a chance to debut on the 2023 season opening day itself.
Moreover, a former Yankee legendary shortstop, Derek Jeter, has extended his best wishes to the team’s latest shortstop, Anthony Volpe. He posted a Twitter on his official handle congratulating Volpe for his roster selection and wrote, “There’s nothing like playing shortstop for the New York Yankees.” Jeter left behind an esteemed legacy post his retirement in 2014. Since then, the Yankees have struggled to find a consistent shortstop for the line. Hopefully, their search ends with Anthony Volpe.
