Because of how well Anthony Volpe is playing, the New York Yankees are finding it more difficult to trade him.
Because of one player, Luis Castillo will not pitch for the New York Yankees this season. Anthony Volpe is entirely to blame.
No, not exactly. It’s to his credit that the Yankees are optimistic about their shortstop prospects. According to virtually every source, he is the best prospect they have, and his recent stretch on the farm will make it even more difficult for Brian Cashman to trade him for anything less than a superstar.
The Yankees are standing strong by refusing to trade Anthony Volpe
Volpe is under intense pressure to live up to the hype. The Yankees were unwilling to give up his potential to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Castillo. They’ll be hesitant to do the same for anyone else this summer.
Volpe’s combination of power, speed, and simply making regular contact by putting the ball in play bodes well for what’s to come. Since the Yankees first drafted him in 2019, his rise through the organization has been closely followed. He began slowly in his first 150 plate appearances after signing. Volpe rocketed up the rankings when minor league play resumed in 2021, and his.294/.423/.604 slash line with 27 home runs, 86 RBI, and 33 stolen bases established him as an immediate future star.
But, as with any prospect, there will always be questions. Can he keep hitting at this level as he progresses through the system?
Volpe is batting.253/.350/.473 this season after a slow start in Double-A with the Somerset Patriots in 2022. He now has 25 doubles, 15 home runs, 49 RBI, and 37 stolen bases, including his recent hot streak. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him move up a level quickly and see his numbers drop before figuring out Triple-A by this time next season.
He has every tool the Yankees could want. He is capable of running. He has the ability to hit with force. Volpe is even capable of drawing walks. Cashman has waited this long to trade him. No one should expect Volpe to change his mind as long as he continues to rake.
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