by James Vlietstra
February 17, 2021
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The Shortstops:
Gleyber Torres is the Yankees superstar shortstop, under team control for four more years. His defense last year was a little sloppy, so expect him to have been working on that all winter. Behind Torres is super utility man Tyler Wade. Wade can play any position behind the pitcher while providing excellent defense, speed, and versatility. Thairo Estrada can also play shortstop if necessary.
The Yankees are loaded with talented shortstops, four of which are included on their Top-30.:
Oswaldo Peraza, 20, is the #4 prospect. He played in Charleston in 2019.
Anthony Volpe is a 19-year old that played in Pulaski in 2019. He is their #10 prospect.
Josh Smith, 23, played in Staten Island in 2019 and is their #17 prospect.
Right behind him at #18 is Alexander Vargas. The 19-year-old was in the GCL in 2019.
24-year old Hoy Jun Park spent 2019 in Trenton. He should be manning shortstop in Scranton this year. That is, of course, unless Kyle Holder is unable to stay on the Cincinnati Reds active roster and is returned after being selected in the Rule 5 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies and then traded to Cincinnati.
Max Burt is another 24-year-old that should move up to play for the Patriots at AA.
Josh Smith will likely start the season playing for the Renegades.
Of note, Oswaldo Peraza is the only minor league shortstop on the 40-man roster. A berth to Tampa to kick off the season seems plausible.
Here is a handful of other shortstops in the Yankees farm system:
Christian Perez, 22
Jesus Bastidas, 22 SI
Luis Santos, 21 SI
Roberto Chirinos, 20 Pulaski
Angel Rojas, 20 GCL
Dionys Vallejo, 20 DSL
Anthony Volpe, 19 Pulaski
Alexander Vargas, 19 GCL
Dayro Perez, 19 DSL
Osmany Fleitas 2019 IFA
Hans Montero 2021 IFA
Fidel Montero 2021 IFA
Kleiner Delgado, 2021 IFA
