NASHVILLE — Persistent trade rumors surrounding Gleyber Torres date back to the 2022 offseason. However, the Yankees made it clear on Tuesday that they value the Venezuelan player, who will remain their starting second baseman next season.
According to Cashman, the Yankees’ GM, after the season they’ve had, there are very few untouchable players. Although he expressed the need to keep an open mind, he acknowledged the need to keep Gleyber Torres. The general manager was reluctant to trade him, emphasizing his fondness for the player and the role he plays on the New York roster.
“After the season we’ve had, I’d say there are very few untouchables,” Cashman said. “I think we have to be very open-minded. Do I want to trade Gleyber Torres? Do I want to trade Michael King? Do I want to trade any of these guys? The answer would be no. I like the players we have.”
The Yankees Need Gleyber Torres
Following the reports on the 2023 trade deadline and now during the offseason, determining the course of action regarding Gleyber Torres raises a challenging decision. Although his performance last season stood out as one of the best on a Yankees team that often struggled to score runs, the fact that he is one year away from free agency adds a layer of complexity. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Gleyber Torres is expected to see a substantial pay raise next season, nearly tripling from $5,162 million to $15.3 million. In addition, occasional lapses in concentration on the field and at the bases can be a source of frustration.
Gleyber Torres, who will turn 27 on December 13, posted a .273 batting average with 25 home runs, 68 RBIs, and an OPS of .800 in 158 games last season. This performance marked his best year since his first two seasons in the majors, both of which were All-Star seasons. In 2017, Gleyber Torres posted a .271 batting average with 24 home runs, 77 RBIs, and an OPS of .820 in 123 games. In 2018, Torres posted a .278 batting average with 38 home runs, 90 RBIs, and an OPS of .871 in 144 games.
Despite these achievements, the Yankees have not begun contract extension talks with Gleyber Torres, and it seems unlikely that this will change. As a result, his future with the team remains uncertain for next season and beyond.
Cashman mentioned that the player is entering his free-agent year and expressed his belief that he has a strong connection with the team. Cashman predicted that the player would have a strong season, emphasizing the team’s confidence that Gleyber Torres will deliver an outstanding performance.
Cashman also acknowledged the player’s past performance, noting that Gleyber Torres was the team’s second-best hitter last year, trailing only Aaron Judge. In light of this, Cashman emphasized the player’s potential to play a crucial role as the team moves forward, adding that there isn’t much more to elaborate on.
Cashman Acknowledges Inquiries About a Trade Involving Gleyber Torres
Cahman said they believed their team was better than their results from the previous year suggested. They acknowledged their responsibility for improving the team but pointed out the need to make trades, emphasizing the principle of give-and-take. Unless a player has a full no-trade clause, the speaker explained that they may have to divest assets to acquire players deemed beneficial to the team. They expressed their willingness to engage in discussions and thoroughly consider all aspects of potential transactions, emphasizing the importance of exploring opportunities that could have a significant impact on the team.
Gleyber Torres does not have a no-trade clause, which makes him an asset that Cashman is under no pressure to use immediately. But he noted that Gleyber Torres had another good year and expressed his belief that Torres is among the best second basemen in the game, seeing the potential for significant contributions to the team. However, Cashman also noted that other teams have inquired about Gleyber Torres over the past two years, including during the last two offseasons and last year’s trade deadline.
“Gleyber had another good year,” Cashman said. “I think he’s one of the best second basemen. I think he has the potential to help us. But he’s also been a player other teams have inquired about over the past two years—whether during the last two offseasons or last year at the trade deadline.”
In recent years, including last summer, the Marlins have been the team that has worked hardest to negotiate a deal for Gleyber Torres. Cashman added that the player’s presence stems from the team’s confidence in him, noting that it was the best decision at the time.
No Fruitful Winter Meetings
The Winter Meetings conclude on Wednesday, and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman will likely return to New York with his team in a similar position to the one it was in when he arrived in Music City last Sunday.
The Yankees continue to face a significant vacancy in left field, with ongoing talks with the Padres regarding Juan Soto at a standstill. For now, there has been no shift toward an alternative plan, such as pursuing Cody Bellinger. In addition, the team has not yet met in person with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the coveted Japanese pitcher they are so keen to acquire.
In due course, the Yankees intend to make strategic moves to improve a roster that posted a disappointing 82-80 record in 2023, and it’s possible that players they value could be the subject of trade discussions. So far, there have been no notable acquisitions, but it’s worth noting that the offseason is still in its early stages.
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