Should the Yankees Lock up Anthony Volpe to a Long-Term Deal? Examining the Early Extension Trend

Anthony Volpe – The New York Yankees’ supposed hotshot has exploded onto the scene this season. The shortstop who has led the team in several offensive categories is flashing his Gold Glove-caliber defense. His breakout has ignited conversations among the Yankees fans and analysts. Should the team adopt the growing trend of early extensions and lock Volpe up in a long-term deal?

Speaking of the growing trend, several MLB teams are taking on a new strategy. They are securing young talent with long-term contracts early in their careers. The rationale behind this approach is that it offers advantages for both sides. On one hand, players get financial security at a key point in their lives. On the other, teams benefit from locking in star power at a lower price before arbitration propels their salaries significantly higher.  

Advantages of having Anthony Volpe onboard with the New York Yankees

Let’s first look at examples that abound – Names like Jackson Chourio and Bobby Witt Jr. signed lucrative deals long before even establishing themselves as full-time MLB contributors. The 22-year-old’s current trajectory makes him a critical candidate for an extension of that nature. But why? You may ask. 

Look at his impressive rookie season, highlighted by a 20/20 campaign. Also, his Gold Glove award, which is a testament to his immense offensive potential. Moreover, this season’s early offensive surge strengthens his case further. This would not only be advantageous for Volpe himself, but also for the Yankees. 

The club could secure Volpe, the potential cornerstone player, at a pre-arbitration rate. With that, down the road, they could save millions of dollars. For Volpe too a long-term deal would mean financial security and more time to focus on his game freeing him of the worries of future contract negotiations.

Weighing the risks of the long term deal

Now that the advantages are out, it’s time to discuss the potential drawbacks. If Volpe were to continue his stellar performance, he could be leaving significant money on the table by signing an extension now. But, this strategy also protects him from career-altering incidents such as injuries that might uproot his long-term earning potential. Weighing the pros and cons of this situation becomes crucial to make the most efficient decision. 

Eventually, it is on Volpe and his agent to make the call. As the Yankees clearly value him, and an extension could be a logical possibility. Moving ahead with this plan, keeping in mind the risks and potential benefits involved are crucial. Whatever the outcome of this discussion would be, one thing is certain – Anthony Volpe’s hot start has ignited a thought-provoking debate about his future with the New York Yankees.