The 2023 MLB season brought out the worst of the New York Yankees roster. Many high-end veterans suffered from career-worst offensive slumps, including DJ LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton. However, while the rest of the roster collapsed, a 26-year-old second baseman was hustling in the shadows.
This season, infielder Gleyber Torres has been the New York Yankees’ most consistent hitter. In 136 games, he has hit .272 with 24 home runs, 61 RBIs, and .805 OPS. However, despite these impressive numbers, Torres’ future with the club is hanging in the balance, especially after the induction of the youth prospects.
Gleyber Torres Could Be Used As A Trade Chip Next Off-Season!
New York Yankees’ regular second baseman, Gleyber Torres, has been the team’s knight in shining armor this season. His consistency made him stand out amongst the roster, which is otherwise filled with many experienced and high-end names. Torres has been able to shine this season. But will that be enough to earn an extension contract? The infielder has a year left on his existing contract and is committed to the Bronx Bombers. But the team management is in a fix amid an infield logjam. As the youth moment kicked off last week, prospect Oswald Peraza has a locker room in the Yankee clubhouse and is splitting his time between third and first base. However, there is a possibility Peraza will end up at second base for the long-term future, which is a position currently secured by Torres.
Since last year, the Yankees have placed Gleyber Torres on the trade market multiple times. But the infielder has escaped a threat each time. So what the future holds for the infielder? For starters, the baseman is not too old to be called a veteran. At the same time, he is not too young with regard to experience to fall into the youth category. Hence, if Yanks decided to prioritize the youth, Torres may be dealt with in the off-season. On the contrary, if at all the Bronx Bombers trust the veteran for one more season, the baseman will keep his space. Having said that, considering Torres’ hot streak, it is highly likely for the team to use him as a prized trade chip. All things considered, Gleyber Torres is unlikely to continue his stay in the Bronx beyond 2023, let alone 2024.
Gleyber Torres’ Defensive Lapse Continues To Work Against The Yankees
While Gleyber Torres has made it hard to ignore his offensive numbers, his defensive lapses are something he would want to scratch from his 2023 season report card. Torres’ hands have weakened on several occasions this season, which cost the Yanks crucial games. The most recent one came during the series finale vs. Detroit Tigers last week.
The Yankees had already won the four-game series and were on the verge of securing a sweep. Anthony Volpe eliminated the lead by scoring a three-run home run in the ninth inning. As the game pushed towards the tenth, the Tigers hitter drove a single toward the Yankee reliever with bases covered. The pitcher played his part by making a perfect throw to Gleyber Torres at second. But the infielder messed up his throw at first base, which allowed the Tigers to reach home and score the game-tying run.
