The New York Yankees will reform roster for the 2025 MLB season due to several contracts expiring this free agency. Juan Soto, for instance, is set to break the bank with a projected contract that could shatter league records. On flip side, the Yanks denied club option to Anthony Rizzo.
That will leave them with an empty first base. Also, third base is sort of a revolving door with DJ LeMahieu and Jazz Chisholm Jr splitting time. Having said that, the New York Yankees are also likely to explore for second base options as they made a crucial decision on a veteran infielder who had a breakout postseason.
Yankees 2B Gleyber Torres Enters Free Agency
The New York Yankees have reportedly decided not to extend a qualifying offer to second baseman Gleyber Torres, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. This decision marks a significant moment for Torres, who is entering free agency for the first time in his career. Despite showing flashes of offensive prowess in recent seasons, the Yanks appear hesitant to commit to a qualifying offer worth $21.05 million, opting instead to extend it only to Juan Soto, who is expected to decline. Notably, Torres’ 2024 season was a rollercoaster. He struggled with consistency early on but found his form in September, helping to propel the team into the playoffs. Over the season, he posted a .257 batting average and a .709 OPS with 15 home runs.
Furthermore, his hot streak extended into the playoffs, where he maintained a .297 average with a .832 OPS through the first two rounds. However, concerns about Gleyber Torres’ overall game appear to have influenced the Yankees’ decision. Defensive inconsistencies and lapses in focus have plagued Torres, as shown by a notable misstep in the World Series when he failed to field a short hop, allowing a crucial tying run. This error, along with a lack of hustle earlier in the season, has cast doubt on his reliability. Hence, looking forward, the front office’s decision not to extend a qualifying offer does not rule out the possibility of Torres returning to the Bronx. However, it signals that they may prioritize financial flexibility and explore alternative options for the infield. Torres, soon to be 28, still has potential suitors given his offensive upside, and his free agency will attract attention.
Brian Cashman Weighs On Torres’ Return Speculation
The New York Yankees are facing uncertainty regarding Gleyber Torres, who recently entered free agency, leaving questions about his potential return. Recently, Yankee GM Brian Cashman acknowledged Torres’ departure but didn’t commit to a reunion. “Obviously, he’ll have a lot of conversations with a lot of teams, and that might include us, who knows,” he said.
Jeff Passan reported that Gleyber Torres has yet to receive a solid offer from the New York Yankees, raising questions about whether the team will match his potential market value. Ultimately, if Torres indeed lands elsewhere, the Yanks will need to address the void at second base by targeting experienced free agents in the upcoming free agency.
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