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While the opening game of the Subway Series may have been postponed, the Yankees took care of an important piece of business on Monday night. The team signed first-round draft pick Anthony Volpe, officially adding the infielder to the organization.
According to reports, Volpe signed for $2,740,300—or $374,800 over the slot bonus. The Yankees had to pay Volpe that much extra to make sure he didn’t honor his commitment to Vanderbilt.
Yankees first-round draft pick Anthony Volpe called choosing the Yankees over Vanderbilt (where he had been committed) the “hardest decision of my life.” But the ability to sign with the major league team he’s long dreamed of playing for, sent his decision over the edge. pic.twitter.com/DjxNZQadRf
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) June 10, 2019
Volpe, whom the Yankees selected with the 30th overall pick, ranked number 63 on MLB Pipeline’s top 200 list. Baseball America viewed him as the 52nd best prospect on their top 500 catalog. Evaluators view him as a toolsy shortstop with the ability to spray the ball to all fields. What he lacks in power he makes up in leadership qualities.
While it’s uncertain where Volpe will open his season, Rookie Pulaski or Short Season Staten Island make for logical landing spots. He also figures to situate in the team’s top 10 prospects when the midseason rankings come out.
For more on the Yankees and their draft signings, be sure to visit our live tracker. It features everything you need to know as the signings take place.
Are you happy to have Volpe on board? Let us know in the comment section!