Gleyber Torres burst onto the scene in 2018 as a highly-touted prospect, quickly making his mark in the New York Yankees’ lineup. Over the years, he has seen many ups and downs, which has shaped his career for the better. In 2021, Torres could score only nine homers in 127 games. Hence, the Bombers asked him to give up his shortstop role and transform into a full-time base player.
The adjustment worked wonders for the 24-year-old. In the following season, Torres slammed 24 homers with an average of .257. Even this year, the infielder has been in tremendous form. He was the team’s player of the Month in April before an injury scare derailed his overall growth. In 59 games, he has hit .267 with nine home runs and 25 RBIs. Apart from being the backbone of the infield, Gleyber Torres is said to have been playing a huge role in shaping the youngsters’ careers.
Gleyber Torres Has Become A Yankee Veteran At The Age Of 26
New York Yankee’s baseman Gleyber Torres does not necessarily agree with the “veteran” tag. He says he still feels as young as a 20-year-old. However, his teammate, Oswaldo Cabrera, says being a veteran does not mean the guy has to be old. Torres is indeed viewed as a veteran in the Yankee clubhouse solely because of his career trajectory. Being in the business since 2016, the baseman has witnessed his fair share of struggles. The Venezuelan native is now using his experience to shape the Yankees’ young brigade. The team’s bench coach Carlos Mendoza says Torres is portraying the role of a mentor to the rookies. His bilingual abilities help the team, especially the captain, Aaron Judge, to communicate better with the international prospects.
However, for Gleyber Torres, it is about offering help to the best of his abilities. He does not want to stay as a leader of any sort. He shared that all a young player needs during his initial days is the belief and freedom to play his natural game. Hence, Torres is trying his best to convey those beliefs to the young guns in the Yankee clubhouse. He is bonding well with his mates through dinner talks and FIFA games. Well, irrespective of what Gleyber believes, the truth is the rookies look up to him for inspiration, and he is the unofficial leader in the clubhouse. As Aaron Judge said, Torres might be the first guy to have become a veteran at the age of 26. But it is what it is. Moreover, the team needs more players like him to be the guiding force for the youngsters.
Will The Yankees Offer Contract Extension To Torres?
Gleyber Torres is undoubtedly having a breakout year this season. He started off the 2023 season on a blistering note by winning AL Player of the Week during the initial month of the league. He is still going stronger than ever with some or the other contribution on the scoreboard. While the Yankees value his presence in the clubhouse, the reality is that Torres is set to hit free agency next season.
Prior to the 2023 season, Gleyber Torres signed a one-year deal to avoid arbitration. Since then, he has turned things around in his own favor with substantial performance. His performance is likely to put pressure on the Yankees to contemplate a contract extension. However, it won’t be that easy. The Yankees have a crowded infield that they might not be willing to carry forward for the next season. Hence, Torres’s future hangs in the balance.