Three Yankees prospects who could have big roles in 2023

The New York Yankees have not won a World Series since 2009. In the 13 seasons since their last title, the Bronx Bombers have made the playoffs 10 times, failing to advance to the World Series in all 10.

The 2023 Yankees are talented, but their roster has holes. To help break the second-longest World Series drought in franchise history, New York might give these prospects significant playing time this season.

Shortstop Oswald Peraza 

Of all prospects, Pereza has the best chance to make the Opening Day roster. 

A late-season call-up in 2022, Pereza posted an impressive .306/.404/.429 slash line in 57 plate appearance. Most impressively, Pereza had a 10.5% walk rate, significantly above league average, and a 15.8% strikeout rate, significantly below league average. 

Pereza supplanted Isiah Kiner-Falefa as the starting shortstop in the ALCS, making him the favorite to win that job this spring. Kiner-Falefa is Pereza's main competition, though fellow prospect Anthony Volpe may also factor into the mix.

Shortstop Anthony Volpe

Volpe, the Yankees No. 1 prospect per MLB.com, is turning heads in spring training. In 30 spring training at-bats, he has a .333/.460/.667 slash line with a 1.126 OPS. Those gaudy numbers may force the Yankees to put Volpe on the roster sooner than expected.

Volpe is a five-tool player: He hits for average and for power and has great speed, arm strength and fielding skills. In the minors, he stole 89 bases.

Pereza is a better defensive player than Volpe, which might lead to New York moving Volpe to second or third base long term.

Volpe, 21, has limited experience in the minors, which may make the Yankees inclined to stick him in Triple-A for 2023. 

To make the team, Volpe must beat out veterans Josh Donaldson, Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu. 

RHP Deivi Garcia

Garcia once was one of the top prospects in baseball, but he has struggled significantly the past few seasons. However, he's only 23 although he has played in the organization since 2016.

 “He had a little bit of struggles, and then it’s hard to stay confident when you get punched in the face,” pitching coach Matt Blake told the New York Post.

The right-hander logged a 6.89 ERA in 64 minor league innings last season but appears to be getting back on track this spring. In 7.1 innings, Garcia has a 2.45 ERA and seven strikeouts. 

The pitching staff is ravaged by injuries among starters and in the bullpen. This could lead the club to give Garcia another shot as a starter and reliever. He has experience at both.

Garcia won't start the season with the Yankees, but he has a chance to make an impact this season.