Gleyber Torres was one of the Yankees’ most consistent offensive players in 2023. However, despite a solid season, the Yankees declined to discuss an extension with him. Torres is a free agent after this season. This meant that Torres would be entering the 2024 season playing for a more lucrative contract. Despite a strong motivation to do well, Torres has gotten off to a rough start both offensively and defensively. Given his recent play, the question now has become is Gleyber Torres playing himself out of New York?
No Contract Extension Talks
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite the Yankees offense being dreadful in 2023, Torres put together a productive year. He had a slash line of .273/.347/.453 with 25 home runs, 68 RBI, and a .800 OPS. The numbers he put up last season were closer to the ones that made him an All-Star in 2018 and 2019. However, despite having a solid season, the Yankees declined to discuss a contract extension with him. This meant Torres was going to enter the season with one year remaining on his current contract. Torres will be eligible for free agency after the season ends.
A Rough Start to His 2024 Season
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite it being a contract year and the season still being young, Gleyber Torres has gotten off to a rough start. So far in 2024, Torres has an awful .209/.299/.239 slash line with no home runs and just two RBI and a .534 OPS. This isn’t the kind of start someone who is in a contract year should be having.
On top of his offensive struggles, Torres’s fielding is still an issue. While he’ll never be known as a great defensive player, Torres at times can appear to be lackadaisical in the field. His poor defensive play has cost the team games in the past. Torres has already committed two errors this season.
The Yankees Have Already Tried to Trade Him
Gleyber Torres has been the subject of trade rumors for the past two years. Two seasons ago, the Yankees attempted to flip him for then-Miami Marlins ace Pablo Lopez. However, Miami pulled out of the deal at the last minute and Torres has since continued to be a Yankee. However, the trade rumors have persisted. I wouldn’t be shocked if Torres isn’t made available at the trade deadline whether the Yankees are contending or not.
Oswald Peraza Is Still Here
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Yankees have an abundance of infield depth inside their organization. Oswald Peraza is seemingly waiting in the wing to take over a starting spot in the Yankees infield. This past spring, the Yankees were using him at second base, third base, and shortstop. Once he’s off the injured list, the team is bound to want to have another look at him. He’s already had playing time at the MLB level including in the postseason. Peraza is not just a great hitter, but his defensive play is significantly better compared to Gleyber Torres.
Plenty of Infield Depth in the Farm System
On the farm, The Yankees have an abundance of infield talent. This includes Roderick Arias and George Lombard Jr. Arias was signed as an international free agent in 2022 and was considered to be the best player in that year’s class. Lombard Jr. was taken in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft and given and $3.3 million signing bonus. They are both ranked as the third and sixth-best prospects respectively. While they are currently at Single-A Tampa and not expected to make their debuts until 2027, the organization is high on both players.
Gleyber Torres’ Days in New York Could Be Numbered
Embed from Getty ImagesGiven the Yankees not offering Gleyber Torres an extension, his current struggles, and the talent the team currently has both on the roster and in their pipeline; Torres could be running out of time in New York. The Yankees have already tried to trade him once already and the rumors of that possibly happening again haven’t gone away. Gleyber Torres is also a year away from free agency and doesn’t appear to be a part of the Yankees future. However, given how he’s preforming so far in 2024, Torres could be speeding up his possible departure.
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