Anthony Volpe is one of the few things going right for the Yankees right now. With the shortstop showing tremendous growth with the affiliate teams in 2021, many are expecting Volpe in the majors soon. But most don’t seem to appreciate the youngster’s journey through the farm system. And especially not when you consider the pandemic and its effects on the minor league ecosystem.

The Yankees’ shortstop for the 2021 season may have stayed reliant on either signing Carlos Correa or maybe even Trevor Story. But to most who don the pinstripes, it is clear that the long-term successor to the Yankees’ shortstop is already in their ranks. He may have spent a season off the minors because of the pandemic, but 2021 saw Volpe have a breakout season. Volpe spent the season with Yankees’ affiliate sides in 2021 and saw some superb production.

Read More: “There’s A Bunch” – Anthony Volpe Claims New York Yankees Have No Shortage Of ‘Nasty’ Pitcher Prospects

Anthony Volpe opens up about time off during the pandemic

Anthony Volpe recently featured in a media interaction, outlining his progress, and specifically, his emergence over the 2021 season. While generally quite happy overall, the shortstop spoke about the year off due to the pandemic and how it affected him.

Volpe was drafted by the Yankees in 2019 and played with their A-level affiliate in his first season there. Starting in 34 games, Volpe made an impact. However, his stats failed to impress the pundits and have them clamoring for his major league start. And then came the pandemic.

The 2020 season was suspended in the minor leagues on account of the pandemic and must have put some strain on the players featuring in it at the time. Speaking about the year he spent out of play, Volpe said, “I’m so thankful for the time looking back on it”. 

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“I got the time to work on some of the things I felt like I needed to work on,” said Volpe. Taking advantage of the time off, Volpe used it to work on his game and make improvements to it. Putting on some muscle in the season off.

Tongue-in-cheek, though, Volpe also expressed some sadness. “I wanted to be competing, I wanted to be playing, I wanted to be in the dugout with my teammates,” said Volpe.

Anthony Volpe – #1 Prospect

Volpe started 2021 in single A Tampa, where he hit .302 and managed to hit 12 home runs. He also stacked 49 RBIs in his 199 at-bats. His performances warranted some more attention and led to a call-up from the High A Hudson Valley, where he spent the rest of the minor league season improving further.

At the Renegades, he hit a further 15 home runs and notched 37 RBIs. He also stole 33 bases over his stay at Hudson Valley. Many attribute the growth in his career to putting on some muscle while in the minor leagues.

Most will be expecting the young prodigy to don the pinstripes and walk out to the Bronx soon. Volpe meanwhile will look to make the most of his chances.