Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ captain, has stepped up to defend teammate Gleyber Torres amid his recent struggles on the field. Once viewed as a potential cornerstone of the franchise, Torres’s performance declined significantly after a stellar start to his career. As 2024 approached, his statistics were underwhelming, hitting just .231/.307/.347 before the All-Star break—marking what many considered one of his worst seasons. With pressure mounting in a crucial contract year, questions about his future in pinstripes loomed large.
However, a recent shift in Torres’s batting order has sparked a resurgence. Moved to the leadoff spot, Torres has embraced the opportunity, shifting his focus from swinging for the fences to making solid contact. This new approach is paying dividends; in a recent game against the Oakland Athletics, Torres went 2-for-5, including a home run, marking his fourth multi-hit game in just seven outings.
Gleyber hasn't had a lot of success going to the deep parts of the the ballpark this year….
— Talkin’ Jake (@TalkinJake) September 22, 2024
centerfield in oakland…FIRE ME UP GLEY https://t.co/axQAZzvUkh
Judge has taken notice of this transformation, praising Torres’s aggressiveness at the plate. “He’s staying aggressive—aggressive in his zone,” Judge remarked. “Sometimes we get a little passive, but the second half he’s been confident.”
This newfound confidence has not only revitalized Torres’s performance but has also proved essential for the Yankees as they close in on the postseason. Aaron Judge’s unwavering support could be crucial for Torres, who seeks to secure a future with the team despite uncertainties surrounding his defense and impending free agency.
Should Torres continue to hit well in the leadoff spot, it could bolster his value significantly. Yet, the Yankees are gearing up for potential big signings, which makes Torres’s immediate future uncertain. With a reported $14.2 million arbitration salary and a likely request of $15 million, the Yankees must weigh Torres’s offensive resurgence against his defensive shortcomings, including a concerning 18 errors this season.
As the team navigates the final stretch of the season, all eyes will be on Torres. Can he maintain his upward trajectory, and will it be enough to secure his place in the Yankees’ lineup for the next season? Aaron Judge’s endorsement and on-field performance may prove pivotal in answering these pressing questions.
Yankees’ Gleyber Torres Reflects On ‘Stupid Errors,’ Long Slump & Late Surge To Salvage Walk Year
Gleyber Torres, the New York Yankees’ second baseman, is experiencing a dramatic resurgence as he approaches the end of his contract year. After grappling with a season riddled with errors and underachievement, Torres has noticeably turned his performance around during September, a pivotal month for the team as they aim for postseason success.
Earlier this season, Torres struggled both offensively and defensively, leading the majors in errors among second basemen and facing benching for not hustling on the field. “I made some stupid errors this year,” he reflected, acknowledging the toll these mistakes took on his confidence. However, since August, he has been on fire, batting .330 with three home runs and 12 RBIs, demonstrating revitalized skills at the plate. His shift to the leadoff position was a turning point, allowing him to thrive in front of superstar hitters like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.
Torres credits his improvement to diligent work with coaches and his focused approach to both hitting and defense. His defensive play has also seen a significant uptick, with no errors in his past 12 games. “Playing good defense helps the team win games,” he asserted, committing himself to making more routine plays.
As the Yankees push for a division title, Torres remains determined. “I want to win,” he expressed, keeping his eyes on the prize while the future remains uncertain. The 2024 season might hold new opportunities, but for now, he is solely focused on helping the Yankees succeed.
