Suspense over Gleyber Torres’ Yankees future amid contract rumors

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The Yankees career of Gleyber Torres continues to be uncertain. With rumors linking him to a possible trade, there are questions about the second baseman’s future with the team.

A report by Gary Phillips from the New York Daily News cited Gleyber Torres’ agent, Wil Polidor, to claim that the Yankees have not presented his client with a contract extension, noting that such extensions are not a customary practice for the Yankees. During the GM meetings this week, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman also called out the player.

Polidor was queried about whether the Yankees have broached the topic or if Gleyber Torres has expressed interest in pursuing a contract extension. The agent conveyed that the second baseman is putting in significant effort in his workouts to ensure he is prepared for the upcoming 2024 season.

Yankees likely to trade Gleyber Torres

Bryan Hoch of MLB.com earlier reported that Gleyber Torres might be one of the players who would end up with a new team in 2024. The Yankees stated that they are not interested in trading Oswald Peraza but acknowledged that their crowded infield posed a puzzle. They mentioned that D.J. LeMahieu would receive at-bats at first base, second base, and third base, Anthony Volpe is set to return as the starting shortstop, and Gleyber Torres will continue as the starting second baseman.

According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, the Yankees said they could potentially bring Peraza into camp to have him play various infield positions like second base, third base, or shortstop. They also noted that a trade involving Torres was still being considered. Gleyber Torres’ arbitration eligibility was discussed, and it was pointed out that he would likely receive a raise from his previous year’s salary of $9.95 million. There was a suggestion that if Hal Steinbrenner’s commitment to having Volpe and Peraza as the future of the middle infield was genuine, then this might be the opportune moment to explore a trade involving Torres. 

Trading Gleyber Torres is being considered for practical reasons. The Yankees possess young and cost-effective infield depth, and such a move could result in cost savings by trading the two-time All-Star. Despite his excellent performance as an offensive second baseman in 2023, trading Torres could make sense, as the freed-up funds could be allocated to other areas. New York has shown interest in star outfielders Cody Bellinger and Juan Soto, both of whom would offer a significant improvement to the team. 

Torres navigates uncertainty

In recent years, Gleyber Torres has been the subject of persistent trade rumors during the offseason and at the deadline. However, after yet another unfulfilled summer of speculation in 2022, the veteran infielder has firmly shut the door on any more chatter about his New York Yankees future.

This past season, Gleyber Torres had to endure reports in July that the Yankees and Miami Marlins were engaging in serious discussions about a deal that would have sent him south and brought starting pitcher Pablo López north to the Bronx. Now, with the winter ahead, Torres has made it clear he won’t entertain any more gossip about where he might end up.

Those close to Gleyber Torres have been informed not to even mention the latest speculation to him. After years of instability and uncertainty around his Yankees status, he is adamant that he wants to remain in pinstripes. This September, he unequivocally stated his desire to stay put as a Yankee rather than be mentioned in any more transactions or rumors.

“A thing with my family is that we don’t talk about any trades or anything like that,” the player said recently. “Just play baseball. The future is hard (to predict),” he said. “But I just want to be here.”

Having secured only 82 wins in 2023, the Yankees are faced with considerable work ahead. The organization has committed to a thorough evaluation of its structure and plans to implement changes during the offseason. Despite possessing a talented roster, injuries and erratic performance derailed their season. Consequently, the team faces an intriguing offseason, as they aim to bolster their talent pool. However, with a substantial payroll already in place, they will need to engage in several trades to balance their roster.

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