What Anthony Volpe’s call-up means for other Yankees middle infielders

On Sunday, the New York Yankees announced that their No. 1 prospect, Anthony Volpe, had made the Opening Day roster. Throughout the offseason, the Yankees publicly and privately discussed the team's shortstop competition between Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Oswald Peraza and Volpe.

Heading into Spring Training, Volpe was seen as having an outside chance of making the Yankees Opening Day roster because he'd only played 22 games in Triple-A, while Kiner-Falefa is a five-year veteran and Peraza made his MLB debut last season.

However, with his performance on and off the field during Spring Training, the soon-to-be 22-year-old earned his role on the Yankees' Opening Day roster. Volpe is expected to take over as the everyday shortstop, which is certain to affect the team’s other middle infielders. 

How Anthony Volpe's promotion affects Yankees' other infielders

Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Instead of opting to sign Carlos Correa or Corey Seager before the 2022 season, Brian Cashman chose to stand pat for the early offseason and through the lockout. When the offseason began again in mid-March, he acquired Kiner-Falefa and Josh Donaldson from the Minnesota Twins to shore up the left side of the Yankee infield.

Kiner-Falefa was durable in his first season in pinstripes, playing in 142 games, but he didn’t play at the highest level. At the plate, Kiner-Falefa hit for a fine .261 batting average, but his lack of power resulted in him being a 15% below-average hitter with 85 weighted Runs Created + (wRC+). 

Defensively, Defensive Runs Saved was fond of his work at shortstop with 10 DRS, but Statcast's Outs Above Average rated Kiner-Falefa in the 17th percentile with -2 OAA, and he definitely didn’t pass the eye test – especially in the Postseason, when he was benched. 

After March 9, the last day Kiner-Falefa played shortstop in Spring Training, it appeared he had already been ruled out of contention to be the Yankees' Opening Day shortstop. Throughout Spring Training, the Yankees have played Kiner-Falefa all across the infield and outfield, so it appears he’ll be used as a utility player with limited use at shortstop in 2023 -- or traded to another team.

Oswald Peraza

Peraza, the Yankees' No. 3 prospect and No. 52 overall prospect by MLB.com, made his MLB debut as a September call-up last season. Despite getting promoted, Peraza didn’t receive much playing time, serving mostly as a backup to Kiner-Falefa, but he impressed in his limited action.

In his 57 plate appearances, Peraza hit .306/.404/.429 (146 wRC+) with a 15.8 K% and 10.5 BB%. Peraza drew a start in the Yankees' ALCS Game 2 matchup against the Astros, with Kiner-Falefa benched and the Bronx Bombers looking for a sparkplug. Peraza struggled at the plate, going 0-3 with a pair of Ks, but he showcased his plus glove in the first inning, making a slick play to rob Jose Altuve of a hit.

Heading into Spring Training, Peraza was seen as the favorite by many to win the shortstop job, but after it was announced Volpe made the team, he was optioned to Triple-A. Peraza is still a valuable asset and could very well see consistent MLB playing time in 2023, but it could also be for another team.

While the Yankees would love a way to make it work with Peraza at the big league level, their logjam of infielders gave the team no choice but to option him to Triple-A to start the season so he can receive consistent at-bats. Ultimately, if the Yankees decide to trade from their logjam, Peraza could be the beneficiary, whether he’s shipped to another team or whether another former Yankees top prospect is traded in his stead.

DJ LeMahieu

Of all the Yankee middle infielders, DJ LeMahieu is the least affected by Volpe’s call-up. LeMahieu was already expected to receive starts at second base, third base, first base and designated hitter this season, and Volpe’s promotion doesn’t change that.

Aaron Boone announced that LeMahieu will be the Yankees' leadoff hitter on Opening Day, but if Volpe is successful offensively, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him grasp the leadoff spot at some point this season.

Volpe is a much more dynamic baserunner than LeMahieu (especially coming off a foot injury), and with the new rules implemented, Volpe could be extremely valuable as a base stealer from the leadoff spot. In the event that Volpe does become the Yankees' leadoff hitter, LeMahieu would likely slot in as the fifth hitter in the lineup, but other than that, LeMahieu likely won’t be affected by Volpe.