Undoubtedly, the New York Yankees are going to be active buyers during the upcoming August 1 trade deadline. They are currently out of the playoff race after losing to Cubs at home last weekend. Problems are many, but the primary one is the dead offense. Until and unless the offense does not step up, the Yanks cannot dream of a comeback under any circumstances.
However, the real headache for the Yankees is to choose whom to let go. Of course, any deal during the deadline is going to come at a heavy cost. Amid this, a renowned MLB reporter has linked the team’s average-performing second baseman to as many as four teams who are striving to stay in the playoff race. Will the Bombers take the plunge?
Gleyber Torres Likely To Be Yankees Primary Trade Chip
Gleyber Torres, by now, is used to his name surfacing every now and then for trade deals. Last season, the Yankees almost traded him away to Marlins. But somehow, the deal fell apart last moment. End result: a 365 days extension in the Bronx. Moreover, as much as the second baseman intends to don the pinstripes for an extended period of time, his numbers are just making a good case. This season, he is hitting .251 with a .739 OPS and 13 home runs. He had his moments in the first month of the season before things started spiraling down. On top of that, his defense has been awful, with multiple errors that cost the team crucial games. All things considered, Torres will be the Yankees’ primary trade chip at the upcoming deadline.
Meanwhile, NJ Media’s Max Goodman had linked Gleyber Torres to as many as four teams. He said that teams like Blue Jays, Brewers, Mariners, and Mets are very much alive in the playoff race despite offensive lackluster. They need an offensively strong second baseman and might be ready to overlook Torres’ defensive shortcomings. On the other hand, the Yankees can flip him for a potent pitcher to add to the exhausted bullpen. Also, Torres is entering free agency next year and is making close to $10 million. As a result, trading him away for a good deal is the ideal solution for the Yanks. Ultimately, the ball is in the Bombers’ court. They must assess their own shortcoming and make a decision accordingly.
Are The Yanks Struck With Gleyber Torres?
As much as the Yankees want to cut off Gleyber Torres at this year’s trade deadline, they have to face the harsh truth of reality. Torres is under one year of control with the Bronx Bombers with no financial restrictions. Hence, will any team would be willing to take him in for a strong pitcher? The situation isn’t ideal, which will leave the baseman stuck with the Yanks. Well, in that case, the New York-based team can certainly choose to drag Torres till the end of the season, as he has been average on the plate so far.
But the problem with that is Gleyber Torres is blocking the way of rookie Oswald Preraza who is smashing the ball in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Unless and until Torres has held second base with Anthony Volpe at shortstop, there is absolutely no space for Peraza. To conclude, the clock is ticking for the Yankees to make up their mind. Currently out of playoff contention, the second half will be highly crucial.
