In a remarkable shift of power, the New York Yankees have welcomed a new shortstop in their ranks. 21-year-old Anthony Volpe, who hails from Watchung, New Jersey, has won the team's shortstop competition against fellow prospect Oswald Peraza and veteran incumbent Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman praised Volpe for rising above the competition and proclaimed that there was nothing like playing shortstop for the New York Yankees. Derek Jeter, the latest franchise shortstop and a 1996 AL rookie of the year for the Yankees, sent a congratulatory message to Volpe, urging him to make the best of his opportunity. Volpe, overwhelmed by news, stated he was "probably pretty blacked out".
The Yankees have also added Franchy Cordero as a reinforcement to their bench to their roster. Cordero agreed to a Major League split contract and is set to fill the final bench spot on the Opening Day roster. The outfielder could take the roster spot of Harrison Bader, who starts the season on the injured list with a strained oblique. Cordero spent the spring with the Orioles, hitting.413 with a 1.099 OPS before being released on Monday.
Estevan Florial appears likely to make the Opening Day roster for the New York Yankees after the team released Rafael Ortega on Wednesday. Florial had a mixed spring training, batting.167 with a.548 OPS and five steals, but also showing some of his swing-and-miss tendencies with 19 strikeouts in 49 plate appearances. He should provide some speed off the bench, as he stole 39 bases on Triple-A last season. The Yankees have one more move to make before setting their opening day roster, with an open bullpen spot that could be filled by a trade or waiver claim.
The New York Yankees have gone through a remarkable transformation this offseason, bringing a new era of talent. With Anthony Volpe on the shortstop, Franchy Cordero on the bench, and Estevan Florial likely to make the opening day roster, the Yankees are set to make a splash in the 2021 season.