New York Yankees draft local high school star in first round

The 2019 Major League Baseball draft began Monday at MLB Network studios. The New York Yankees selected Morristown, New Jersey shortstop Anthony Volpe, with the 30th overall pick.

Drafting in any sport is far from an exact science. In the first round, there are always more good players than total busts, but there is always the chance for failure. In baseball, it takes several years for a prospect to develop into a Major League ready player with lots of twists and turns on the road to the show. The New York Yankees however, believe they have found themselves a keeper, with their first-round pick (30th overall) Anthony Volpe from nearby Morristown, New Jersey.

Volpe is as battle-tested as an 18-year-old can get. He played in several national high school showcases and was a member of the United States gold medal team in the most recent U18 Baseball World Cup. At Delbarton High School this spring, he hit .488, with 34 RBI in 84 at bats.

NJ.com’s Brendon Kuty wrote a good story about Volpe and what he brings to the New York Yankees organization. Kuty interviewed the Bronx Bombers VP of domestic scouting, Damon Oppenheimer, who raved about the 5-11 shortstop.

"“We like a lot about him,” Oppenheimer said. “He’s going to be a shortstop: the guy can hit, he can run, he’s got plus actions, he’s got really good hands, and he’s got a shortstop’s arm. He’s got tools. He’s been on the big stage with the USA national teams, so he’s got performance, and with a deluxe make-up, the kid brings it every day.”More from New York YankeesLast Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet!Caesars New York Promo Code Gives TWO Chances to Win Betting on Your Yankees!PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets!Caesars NY Promo: $1,250 Bonus to Celebrate the Return of Judge!Get $500 in Bonus Bets to Back Yankees or Mets With PointsBet New York Promo"

There is an added obstacle for Major league teams when they draft a high school aged player. Said draft choice could turn down a professional contract, play college ball and try the draft again in a few years. Volpe committed to Vanderbilt University. The Commodores are a college baseball powerhouse and their recruits don’t normally sign pro contracts out of high school.

As the 30th overall pick, Volpe is slotted to pull in $2.37M. That is an awfully large amount of money to pass up. It’s unlikely however that an organization as savvy as the New York Yankees would blow their first round pick on someone they weren’t sure they could sign.

Can anyone imagine what the sales pitch must be like from ownership and GM Brian Cashman? They bring a local,18-year-old kid to Yankee Stadium, let him dress out in the locker room and then take infield practice in the same spot Derek Jeter did, followed by a little BP. He gets to meet the current team and maybe a few other surprise guests such as A-Rod or any number of Hall of Famers connected with the club.

What kid can say no to that, especially one who grew up nearby?

Should Volpe sign relatively soon he’ll likely head to Tampa to work with the Yankees minor league staff. From there he’ll probably move on to one of their rookie league teams (either in Tampa or Pulaski, Va). Sometime either later this season or early next, area New York Yankees fans who can’t wait for the local product to make the majors should get a sneak peek at the youngster with the Staten Island Yankees.