There have been reports of the Yankees trying to trade Gleyber Torres before the upcoming season. According to a former Boston top executive, there could be a possible swap deal between the Yankees and the Red Sox involving the second baseman.
A former general manager, Steve Phillips speculated on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove” that the Yankees and the Red Sox might consider a potential trade deal that would see Gleyber Torres and Alex Verdugo going in opposite directions.
Phillips noted that the Red Sox have a need at second base since Dustin Pedroia’s departure and mentioned that the Yankees are looking for a left-handed hitting outfielder, which could make the two teams a potential match. Former MLB general manager explained how rivalry implications shouldn’t necessarily be a roadblock if the deal makes sense for both sides.
Will the Yankees agree to the swap?
Torres and Verdugo have been at the center of trade speculation this offseason. Both 26-year-old infielders have put up comparable offensive production over their careers so far. In 2022, Torres hit .273 with 25 home runs and a .800 OPS while Verdugo batted .264 with 13 homers and a .745 OPS. Their career OPS+ figures sit at 115 and 105 respectively.
While the offensive profiles are similar, Verdugo carries more defensive value in the outfield compared to Torres at second base. This helps even out their overall trade value, despite assumptions that Boston would have to include more.
A swap would immediately fill needs for both clubs, with Torres addressing Boston’s second base opening and Verdugo providing New York with an impact left-handed bat.
Of course, a deal between bitter rivals would lead to endless analysis of “who won the trade.” Every performance would be scrutinized and second-guessed. Verdugo homering to beat Boston would be an inevitable storyline.
Still, setting aside the media circus, the trade could address roster holes for both teams this winter. The tug of rivalry tradition alone shouldn’t prohibit creative solutions.
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WHY Torres?