Insider claims Yankees likely to dump these four players

The Yankees 2023 season is drawing to its conclusion. The games on Monday and Tuesday provided fans with a glimpse of how their next generation of rookies are capable of delivering victories against the tougher opponents. This makes the youthful transition of the Yankees to 2024 a foregone conclusion.

As October looms without playoffs, there’s a resounding call for significant changes this offseason from top brass like Hal Steinbrenner, as well as key figures like Aaron Judge and Aaron Boone. The Yankees’ dismal performance this year is being regarded as their worst in at least seven years, and some argue, in decades.

Insider Dan Martin claims that uncertainty is looming over following players about their return in pinstripes to Yankee Stadium in 2024.

Gleyber Torres: Yankees’ perennial trade candidate

With yet another offseason on the horizon, Gleyber Torres, the perennial trade candidate, the second baseman, once again becomes a source of intrigue.

As the offseason looms, the Yankees face the challenge of addressing their plans for second and third base. This comes as they anticipate the return of first baseman Anthony Rizzo from post-concussion symptoms and with Anthony Volpe securing his place at shortstop.

The Yankees face the decision of whether DJ LeMahieu returns to his versatile role, juggling first base, second base, and third base. The key question revolves around who will occupy these infield positions. Gleyber Torres is a potential candidate for second base, given his impressive offensive contributions, ranking second among position players on the roster with an fWAR of 3.2. However, Torres’ persistent defensive struggles persist, marked by negative metrics on that side of the game, including a negative-3 defensive run saved this season.

Despite Torres’ noted shortcomings, the Yankees remain steadfast in their belief in his capabilities. Infield coach Travis Chapman recently stood up for Torres, refuting the notion that mental lapses are the root cause of Torres’ fielding errors.

Chapman expressed that he didn’t perceive it as a lack of focus. He mentioned that, like anyone else, the player could occasionally get out of rhythm. Chapman also noted that, during such periods, they work together to help him get through it.

Gleyber Torres, who has the option to enter free agency following the 2024 season, boasts 25 home runs and 28 doubles while leading the team with 654 plate appearances.

Chapman remarked that the player is extremely talented and possesses the capability to consistently make challenging plays. He mentioned that if their team were winning more games, the narrative would likely be different, and the focus on his mistakes might not be as intense. However, given the current situation, there’s considerable attention on the negative aspects.

Torres, however, is set to finish the season as the Yankees’ leader in plate appearances, underscoring his durability, as well as his dominance in various offensive categories. Finding a replacement for that combination is a challenging task, and the Yankees’ emerging young talents, including defensive standout Oswald Peraza, have yet to demonstrate their hitting prowess at the major league level.

Thus, even though the fan base may clamor for changes, replicating such production from other sources could pose a formidable challenge.

Kyle Higashioka: Yankees catcher losing to Austin Wells

Kyle Higashioka has been a part of the Yankees’ system since 2008, a lengthy tenure that began with his selection by the Yankees in the seventh round of the 2008 draft, just six rounds after they chose Gerrit Cole at No. 28.

Despite spending much of his career as a backup catcher for the big-league club, Higashioka has taken on the role of primary catcher for the team this year, surpassing all others in games caught. However, with Jose Trevino on track for a return after wrist surgery and the Yankees’ interest in utilizing Austin Wells‘ left-handed hitting abilities, Higashioka’s stint in The Bronx may be approaching its conclusion, especially as he approaches his last year of arbitration eligibility.

Ben Rortvedt retains the option to spend additional time honing his skills in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the upcoming season.

Kiner-Falefa: Yankees’ super utility player

In the previous year, Isiah Kiner-Falefa held the role of the team’s primary shortstop. However, that arrangement didn’t pan out as expected, especially during the postseason, leaving significant questions about his position on the roster for the current season.

Throughout the majority of the season, Kiner-Falefa showcased his versatility, offering valuable contributions as a third baseman and even filling roles in left and center field when needed. However, as the Yankees transitioned toward a younger lineup, Kiner-Falefa found himself without a defined role. His contract is set to expire after the season, making him a free agent.

Luis Severino: Yankees’ worst pitcher

The disappointing performance of Luis Severino during the 2023 season has significantly diminished the likelihood of him returning to the Yankees as a free agent.

Luis Severino, a Yankees veteran who joined the team in 2011 after signing from the Dominican Republic, is about to enter free agency for the first time, and unfortunately, the timing couldn’t be less favorable.

After enduring a career-low season riddled with persistent injuries, the 29-year-old pitcher still retains promising talent, but his performance in 2023 was undeniably dismal. The Yankees are facing several pitching needs, particularly after Carlos Rodon‘s underwhelming debut season following his lucrative six-year, $162 million contract. However, Severino is probably better off seeking a fresh beginning with another team.

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