Yankees Prospect Anthony Volpe Could Start 2022 in Somerset

There is a chance Yankees shortstop prospect Anthony Volpe could start the 2022 season with the Somerset Patriots.

At least that is the rumor that was ignited by Vice President of Player Development Kevin Reese, who has stated to multiple reports that Volpe is on track to play in Somerset when the 2022 season begins.

“Continuing to work with our hitting staff, our defensive staff and hopefully making an impact in the big leagues soon,” Reese said of Volpe.

Volpe is the number one prospect in the Yankees farm system. The shortstop is one of four shortstop prospects ranked in the Top 12 of the Yankees farm system, including Oswaldo Cabrera, who played with the Patriots last season. Cabrera is expected to be in Triple-A this season.

Last year between Low-A and High-A, Volpe hit a combined .294 with 27 homer runs and 86 RBI. He even posted a .423 on base percentage.

Defensively, Volpe has some work to do. He committed 11 errors at short stop last season.

Many people inside baseball feel the Yankees need an answer at shortstop, since Gleyber Torres showed he's a little more comfortable at second base.

The Yankees have been rumored to be in on one of the free agent short stops available this winter, but didn't make any significant signings before MLB imposed a lockout.

If Torres were to move over the second, it would create a dynamic where D.J. LeMahieu would need to play either the outfield or first base, neither of which is his natural position.

The question is if Volpe keeps shooting up the ranks for the Yankees, how much sooner will it be before he makes his MLB debut? Whenever that answer arrives, there is a chance Somerset Patriots fans are going to get their first look at him in the coming months.