NEW YORK YANKEES TOP 10 PROSPECTS
1. ANTHONY VOLPE, SS
AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-11. WT: 180. DRAFTED: HS—Morristown, N.J., 2019 (1st round). SIGNED BY: Matt Hyde.
TRACK RECORD: Drafted in the first round in 2019, Volpe’s first test in pro ball at Rookie-level Pulaski was marred by a case of mononucleosis. The 2020 season was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the Yankees did not hold a domestic instructional league, which left Volpe to do as much development as he could through independent training and via remote work with the organization’s coaches. He emerged from the shutdown with renewed health and added strength, which he used to produce one of the finest seasons in the minor leagues. In a season split between Low-A Tampa and High-A Hudson Valley he hit .294/.423/.604 with 27 homers and 33 steals in 109 games.
Volpe quickly showed off his more powerful swing in 2021 by producing an average exit velocity of 91.5 mph before a move from Low-A to High-A. He’s gone all-in on the Yankees’ internal motto of “Hit Strikes Hard” and produces some of the highest quality at-bats in the organization. He controls the conflict from the moment he gets in the batter’s box and does not relent no matter the count. He shows no fear with two strikes and is content to foul off pitches until he gets something he can damage. Whether he’s facing premium velocity, high spin or extreme changes of speed, Volpe stays balanced and on time, often resulting in a ball hit with authority. The combination of increased strength and a mature approach
