New York Yankees have impending shortstop logjam
The New York Yankees are in a difficult spot at shortstop. On one hand, they clearly need to find an option for 2022 as Gleyber Torres has not been the player they hoped for. On the other hand, they have a trio of prospects that could all be vying for a starting role by the beginning of the 2023 season.
Even if the Yankees opt to bring in a stopgap at short, they will still have decisions to make going forward. Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and Anthony Volpe are all well regarded, with Peraza and Volpe ranking in the top three of the Yankees’ top prospects.
New York Yankees have decisions to make
It is possible that this decision could work itself out. Torres is hardly a given at second base, especially as his bat has vanished over the past two seasons. Any of that trio could get a look at the position if Torres falters. Cabrera, in particular, would seemingly have the first chance of that group as he has made 212 appearances at second in his minor league career and has been developed as more of a utility option.
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The Yankees have also looked to alleviate this logjam as well. Both Volpe and Peraza have been mentioned as possible trade candidates, although Volpe may be close to untouchable. This may be the best scenario, especially given the Yankees’ holes throughout the roster.
It is a lot of pressure for a young shortstop, especially given the Yankees’ history at the position. Volpe will turn 21 years old this year and has yet to play above High-A. Cabrera and Peraza both spent the majority of the 2021 season in Double-A and are likely to at least begin 2022 in Triple-A. None of those players are ready just yet.
But they may be soon. This will leave the Yankees with difficult decisions, especially as there just are not enough positions for everyone. Cabrera, if he does not end up at second, would essentially be a similar piece to DJ LeMahieu, whose contract ensures that he will get playing time. Peraza and Volpe are vying to be the shortstop of the future. The Yankees are going to have some tough decisions to make.
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The New York Yankees need to find a shortstop. Yet, even with that opening in 2022, they have an impending logjam at the position to sort through.