Control. That is what New York Yankees star prospect Anthony Volpe is focused on. Things he can control, not factors outside of his line of vision that can make an impact on his future and career wearing pinstripes.
Volpe has been the talk of the town recently during the lockout, as the Yankees prepare for free agency 2.0 in the spring — hopefully. General manager Brian Cashman has been connected to a myriad of potential targets, but none are bigger than shortstop Carlos Correa.
Correa represents the cream of the crop when it comes to players at SS. The former first overall pick in the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft is coming off a stellar campaign with the Houston Astros. Over 148 games, Correa posted a .279 average with 26 homers and 92 RBIs, earning his second All-Star appearance.
Not only is Correa a phenomenal regular season player, but he’s also a proven postseason contributor. Over a total of 301 playoff at-bats, he hosts a .272 average with 18 homers and 59 RBIs. If the Yankees are looking for an elite player to help them beyond the regular season, Correa is undoubtedly their man.
However, reports have indicated that the Yankees may settle on a stopgap as they wait for Oswald Peraza and Volpe to reach the major leagues.
When Volpe was asked about the potential for the Yankees to sign Correa, he focused on what he could control, his own outlook and vision for the future.
Should the Yankees go get Carlos Correa or should they wait on their top prospect? Anthony Volpe responds ?https://t.co/zLG6eATrpt pic.twitter.com/8RwaLIK7mN
— Toeing The Slab (@ToeingTheSlab) December 28, 2021
The humbleness that the young shortstop acquires it’s something to be proud of for Yankee fans. At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Volpe is coming off a quality 2021 season with Hudson Valley and Tampa. During his time with the Renegades, he tallied a .286 average with 15 homers and 37 RBIs. At just 20-years-old, the Yankees will likely boost him to AA and hopefully a few reps with the AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre team.
Landing Correa would suggest that the Yankees may view their elite young prospects as potential trade pieces or move them to a different position. Ultimately, their free agency moves will tell a story, but Volpe has the humility and talent to become a star at the next level.