The New York Yankees will head into a crucial off-season next year. In the aftermath of the 2023 season’s debacle, the team will face a daunting task of fixing the roster. To complete the pursuit, the front office will have to make some bold decisions. There is no room for complacency in 2024.
Meanwhile, Gleyber Torres, who has been on and off in the past four seasons, will meet his ultimate fate in upcoming free agency. The baseman evaded trade risks multiple times and proved to the extent that he deserves a spot on the roster. But for the Yankees, who are under pressure to apparently fix things, deciding on Torres’ future won’t be a cakewalk.
Gleyber Torres’ Retention Seems A Plausible Option For Yankees
New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres is in a weird state. He is neither a rookie nor a veteran. He is 26 years old with a six-year major league experience. Thus, solely on the basis of experience, the infielder was expected to be much of a leader in the clubhouse. However, Torres has been inconsistent per se since 2019. This season, while he leads the offensive charts, frequent episodes of defensive lapses do not work in his favor. In 145 games, Torres has hit .271 with 25 home runs, 65 RBIs and .803 OPS. Meanwhile, the baseman will enter the final season of his existing contract with the Yanks in 2024. So, what options does the franchise have?
Firstly, the Yankees can let Gleyber Torres hit the free agent market, but that seems like a loss-making deal. Another feasible option is to put Torres on the trade market. But then again, we don’t trust the front office led by Brian Cashman to make an ideal deal. The Bombers certainly would not want to acquire a fresh face who ends up struggling and adjusting for half of the season. So, the ideal option is to let the baseman stay till the end of his contract. While it would choke up the $20+ million payroll of the team, Torres can record a better 2024 season to elevate his market value. If this comes true, the Yanks can fetch a great offer in a potential trade deal. All things considered, letting Torres play for 2024 seems an ideal choice for the Bronx Bombers at this moment.
Oswald Peraza Gunning For Torres’ Job In 2024!
The New York Yankees’ infield logjam could be a problem for Gleyber Torres. Infield prospect Oswald Peraza has been impressive since fetching a regular spot in the lineup last month. Peraza is making a good case for himself at third base. If he ends up as the team’s third base choice, DJ LeMahieu will be pushed to second, which endangers Gleyber Torres’ place.
Gleyber has been the Yankees’ regular second baseman this year. He has been consistent and has missed only one game. However, his lack of defensive lackluster is becoming a problem for the Bombers. Thus, Torres will remain under a lot of pressure to secure his place in the 2024 season roster. By the early looks of it, Torres could bid farewell in the upcoming off-season unless Yanks’ front office comes up with a masterstroke.