Yankees: How would a big-time SS signing impact Anthony Volpe?

The New York Yankees are expected by anyone with a functioning brain to be active in the offseason, particularly at the shortstop position. With Gleyber Torres proving to be more of a second baseman and Anthony Volpe still a few years away from debuting, look for Brian Cashman to pay top dollar for a new starter in the infield.

Names like Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, and Trevor Story have all been thrown out as potential starters at the position, though the Yankees might have a younger option that could eventually blossom in a few seasons thanks to their former first-round pick.

The Yankees should not be dissuaded from spending money this offseason, as this team needs a major boost on the offensive end, but they also need to make sure that a prospect as untradeable as Volpe ends up factoring into their long-term plans.

Depending on which shortstop the Yankees end up signing, their plan for Volpe could change in dramatic fashion. Will they continue to utilize him as a shortstop or move him around the infield?

If the Yankees sign a SS, what does that mean for Anthony Volpe?

The most likely situation that happens is that Volpe ends up getting some reps at second and third base, which gives him two new avenues to the big leagues. Correa and Story are likely going to stick at shortstop long-term, so this may be the only way to ensure the Yankees benefit from both of their services.

Seager could switch things up a bit, as he profiles as someone that could make the move to third base. This could help Volpe come through the minor league system as a shortstop and eventually take over that mantle in a few years. Despite that possibility, the Yankees will assuredly get him some work at other infield positions.

Across stints with Low-A Tampa and High-A Hudson Valley, Volpe hit .294 with 27 home runs, 35 doubles, 86 RBI, and 33 steals. With his power and speed already present at age 20 and a few trophies already in his case, Volpe could make his major league debut as soon as 2023, and the Yankees need to plan for their top prospect hitting the majors.

Will this mean an end to the Torres era? Perhaps letting any shortstop that they sign know of the possibility of moving to third? How about turning Volpe into a second or third baseman in the minors?

The Yankees could move in several different directions this offseason, but they shouldn’t make any big moves without considering how Volpe could be impacted.

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