Anthony Volpe's group of Gold Glove finalists created in a lab to bother Yankees fans

All summer long, Aaron Boone insisted Anthony Volpe was playing a Gold Glove shortstop for the Yankees, even as his error total rose. Forget that clunky methodology, though. Everyone from diehards to casual observers to Fielding Bible devotees could tell all along that, despite traditional metrics favoring cleaner fielders, Boone was onto something.

In 2023, Volpe was a natural whose instincts papered over his below-average arm. His range was immaculate. He might not be Oswald Peraza-level special at the position, but he did more than hold his own this season. Naturally, Yankee Disrespect would get in the way of his award chances, but that was no fault of the rookie.

Well, as it turns out, Boone might've predicted a happier ending than we anticipated. Volpe was among Rawlings' three American League Gold Glove finalists at shortstop that were announced Thursday. And, in order to capture the honor, he just has to beat out -- oh, come ON.

The good news? Volpe has the strongest metrics of any of the finalists, and should win on an objective playing field. The bad news? God likes to make us feel bad, so he'll probably lose to Fame Monsters and high-priced free agent acquisitions Carlos Correa and Corey Seager.

Yankees' Anthony Volpe Gold Glove finalist against two people who could've replaced him

Yes, neither Correa nor Seager are Yankees. Because the Yankees believed in Volpe. Wow. You're kidding. First I'm hearing about this.

Seager, whose left-handed swing was perfect for Yankee Stadium (still is!), could've been a nice fit alongside Volpe at any number of positions. The two could've swapped between second and short. Seager could've aged into third. No matter which fort he held down long-term, he would've made the Yankees better. Alas, $32.5 million/year for 10 years was too rich for Hal's blood with the kids coming. One of those kids might lose to Seager in a defense-off this year, which isn't even Seager's strong suit.

Oh, right, and Correa. He dreamed of joining the Yankees, and despite repeated overtures the past two winters, New York didn't respond to him. Instead, they facilitated his move to Minnesota by clearing $50+ million of troublesome salary attached to Josh Donaldson. If Correa's medical history eventually sabotages his long-term success, the Yankees would've had Volpe in place to caddy for him as he changes positions. Unfortunately, they only have the kid and not both pieces.

Volpe should win. But, if he doesn't, whichever shortstop captures the hardware will do so via a slap in the face to Brian Cashman's roster building philosophy. Far too much drama for such a popularity contest.