When Alex Verdugo made the last out of the 2024 World Series and the Yankees fell to the Dodgers at their own stadium, it was clear that the New York franchise would have to deal with multiple open fronts in the market. The uncertainty over Juan Soto’s future, the need to deepen the bullpen and strengthen the outfield and infield were the priorities of manager Brian Cashman, who then began to move the pieces on the board
At first, the franchise suffered the blow of Soto’s move to the Mets, but then moved quickly with the additions of Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, Devin Williams and Max Fried. However, there was still the hole at second base, as Venezuelan Gleyber Torres, one of the team’s regular infielders for the past seven years, had entered free agency and it was unclear whether he would return to the Bronx
That idea did not seem impossible, but Cashman decided not to move in that direction and Torres took another path away from the Big Apple. “I never received a renewal offer,” said the dark-haired player right after signing with Detroit last December. The Tigers were one of several teams that approached the infielder, who wanted to return to the Yankees but had no opportunity
“I got a lot of phone calls from other teams (…) I feel like I have to play where someone wants to give their best for me”
“I got a lot of phone calls from other teams and I focused on getting an opportunity elsewhere. I feel like I have to play where someone wants to do their best for me, and I just want to be available to do my best for that team,” the Venezuelan confessed, and the move to Detroit has worked wonders for him.
Moving and All Stars
The most convincing proof that Gleyber Torres has landed on his feet with the Tigers is that he was selected as the starting second baseman for the All-Star Game, which will be held on July 16 in Atlanta. The Venezuelan beat out Jackson Holliday of the Orioles after compiling a very consistent first half
“To all the fans: I want to express my gratitude for all the support you have given me during this season. I have never felt that support as strongly as I do now,” Torres said after learning of his selection. “I am very proud to have been chosen as the American League All-Star second baseman by you, the fans,” he added
“I want to express my gratitude for all the support you have given me during this season. I have never felt that support as strongly as I do now.”
This award is no fluke. Gleyber has experienced a total improvement in 2023, especially in his ability to get on base. This year, his on-base percentage (OBP) is .385, the highest of his career. With this indicator, he ranks in the Top 10 in MLB among all hitters with at least 200 plate appearances this season
Much of this has to do with his walk rate, which has skyrocketed to 13.9%, the highest of his career in the best baseball in the world since his debut in 2018. On the other hand, he has struck out in only 12.7% of his opportunities with the bat, well below his average (20.3%) in his first seven Major League seasons
Torres has an offensive line (Average/OBP/Slugging/OPS) of .279/.385/.424/.809, with 13 doubles, nine home runs, 44 RBIs, 46 runs scored and a surprising superiority of walks (46) compared to strikeouts (42).
Yankees orphaned at second base
And while Gleyber Torres is thriving away from New York, the Yankees have a deep hole at second base. All season long, manager Aaron Boone has tried five players at the position and none have fully lived up to expectations
Neither Jorbit Vivas, Pablo Reyes, Oswald Peraza, DJ LeMahieu nor Jazz Chisholm Jr. have been consistent with the bat when they have occupied this position. Between them, they have a .211 batting average, .311 OBP and .345 slugging percentage, with 37 RBIs and 36 runs scored. In each of these indicators they are below Torres, who has been an example of stability
Precisely, reinforcing the infield before the trade deadline should be one of Brian Cashman’s priorities, who may now regret not showing more interest in bringing back Gleyber Torres.
Read the full article here
