The New York Yankees quietly added power to their organization on Saturday, signing first baseman Nick Torres after a standout season in Mexico.
Torres, who spent the past several years with Algodoneros Unión Laguna, was announced as a new Yankees signee by his former club, which praised the slugger’s impact and growth before his move to New York. The signing comes as the Yankees continue to evaluate their options at first base amid a relatively low-key offseason.
Torres has played in Mexico since 2021 and enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, hitting .345 with 27 home runs and 81 RBIs. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, Torres last appeared in affiliated ball in 2018, when he struggled at the Triple-A level with Texas.
Torre’s position will depend on his performance in the spring
While the move may appear minor on paper, it could carry significance for a Yankees team with a wide-open first base picture. Paul Goldschmidt is no longer with the club, and Ben Rice – a potential in-house option – could still see time behind the plate.
If Torres’ bat carries over during spring training, he could position himself as a legitimate roster candidate. Manager Aaron Boone has acknowledged the uncertainty at the position, recently revealing that Amed Rosario has begun preparing to play first base as well.
“That’s one of the positions we’ll work him out at,” Boone said, noting Rosario has previous experience taking reps at first base with Washington last season.
Cashman is confident in his Yankees’ chances
Despite the lack of headline-grabbing additions, general manager Brian Cashman has expressed confidence in the roster, maintaining that the Yankees remain a legitimate World Series contender.
New York currently holds the second-best odds to win the title
, and Cashman emphasized flexibility as the club continues to explore both trade and free-agent markets.
As spring training approaches, Torres’ emergence adds another layer of intrigue to a Yankees roster still searching for answers – and production – at first base.
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