The 2023 off-season is almost coming to an end, and spring training will begin in just a few weeks. The spring training takes place before the opening day to give the club enough time to test its rosters. Meanwhile, spring training becomes extremely crucial for the New York Yankees as they look to stabilize their roster by filling in the gaps before the opening day.
For instance, the Yankees need to find answers to their left-field woes on an urgent basis. Moreover, the font office has yet to finalize who will start at the shortstop spot for the Yanks in the 2023 MLB season. Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe are the two front runners battling for the post, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa playing the third fiddle. Both starters are expected to fight it out in the spring training to find a place in the rotation.
Who Could Be The Best Fit For The Shortstop Job For The Yankees?
The young international prospect, Oswald Peraza, is one of the front runners in the battle. Oswald signed with the Yanks in 2016 and made his debut in the major league in 2022. He played the shortstop role in 12 games and as a second base in 4 games in 2022. Moreover, Oswald is also one of the top three prospects of the Yankees. Oswald is young with considerably less experience. However, his skills can overshadow his lack of experience on any given day. Hence, the 22-year-old will likely battle it out hard for that shortstop spot.
On the other hand, Anthony Volpe is yet another 21-year-old prospect for the shortstop role. Volpe has no minor league experience but stands as the Yankees’ number one prospect. Hence, he will be given a chance to participate in the shortstop competition. Earlier, Aaron Boone confirmed that Volpe would participate in the spring training, and they have high expectations from the young lad. It will be an interesting battle, as both the guys are young with minimal experience.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa Is The Third Fiddle
Besides Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe, Isiah Kiner-Falefa is yet another shortstop option for the Yankees. Isiah started as the league leader in stolen bases at the start of the season. However, a slump in form toward the mid-season ended with Isiah being on the bench for the postseason. Further, Aaron Boone commented on Isiah, saying that the latter is capable of starting as the shortstop in the big leagues. But, looking at the competition, Isiah looks more like a backup plan for the Yanks.
Nonetheless, all three contenders and strong and can give any opposition a run for their money. Hence, the shortstop situation is a healthy headache for the Yankees’ front office. The opening days are just months away, and the teams have just a few weeks and spring training to prepare for the big eve.