One can't help but draw comparisons between Anthony Volpe and a young Derek Jeter. Both players were born in New Jersey. Both grew up as die-hard New York Yankees fans. Both play the shortstop position. Both may make their MLB debuts before the age of 22.
Anthony Volpe has impressed the organization over the last 12 months. The 21-year-old has developed faster than expected and Yankees fans are keen to see what he can do in the big leagues. Volpe may be young, but what he lacks in maturity he makes up for in raw talent and natural ability.
MLB insider Bryan Hoch recently compared Volpe to one of the greatest shortstops to ever play the game:
"I hate to use this comparison because it's really not fair... you're almost seeing Derek [Jeter] in 1995. He's got that kind of demeanor."
Hoch was speaking on YES Network and went on to say that Volpe has a "magnetic personality" and players want to be around him.
"'Volpe – I hate to use this comparison because it's really not fair... you're almost seeing Derek [Jeter] in 1995. He's got that kind of demeanor.'Stream the latest episode of Yankees Spring Snapshot on the YES App: http://onelink.to/yesapp" - YES Network
Volpe is yet to make his MLB debut but was promoted to the club's Triple-A affiliate towards the end of last year.
The right-hander played 22 games for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and finished with a .236/.313/.404 slash line. He impressed the coaching staff after recording three home runs, five RBIs, six stolen bases, and finishing with a .717 OPS.
Anthony Volpe is in contention to be the New York Yankees' starting shortstop in 2023
The New York Yankees are yet to determine who will start at shortstop. Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Oswald Peraza are the favorites, but many believe Anthony Volpe is ready to make the jump.
Volpe is currently ranked the Yankees' top prospect and the number five overall prospect in the league.
"Young Anthony Volpe with Derek Jeter feels like a photo we'll see for a very long time (via @SOMPatriots)" - Talkin' Yanks
Derek Jeter was just 21 years old when he made his debut versus the Seattle Mariners. It turned out pretty well for the club. He went on to record 260 home runs and 1,311 RBIs, and finished with a lifetime .310 average over 2,747 games. He is a 14-time All-Star, a five-time World Series Champion, and a Hall of Famer.
Yankees fans would love to see Volpe given a chance. Aaron Boone will be left with a tough decision on who to start on Opening Day. If Anthony Volpe continues to progress the way he has, it is only a matter of time before he breaks into the starting lineup.