Yankees unwilling to compete for Gleyber Torres, who can replace him

Game 5 of the World Series may have been the last time several Yankees donned the pinstripes, with second baseman Gleyber Torres among the most significant potential exits. The 27-year-old, who has spent his entire seven-year MLB career with New York, is set to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason.

While a return isn’t out of the question, the Yankees’ front office might look at other paths or be unwilling to compete with offers from other teams.

Should Torres leave, the Yankees would need to address the gap in their infield. Internal solutions include moving Jazz Chisholm Jr., who showed late-season capability at third base, over to second or keeping him in place and pursuing a new addition.

Bleacher Report analyst Joel Reuter recently floated an intriguing possibility: trading for Colorado Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers. Though Rodgers has yet to fully meet the high expectations set as the 2015 draft’s third overall pick, Reuter noted his proven value when healthy. Rodgers won a National League Gold Glove at second base in 2022, posting a 4.3 WAR, and followed up with a strong 2024 season, batting .267/.314/.407 with 29 doubles, 13 homers, and 54 RBIs over 135 games. Reuter suggested Rodgers could pair with Anthony Volpe to create an elite defensive duo in the middle infield.

This idea also placed Rodgers in a projected Yankees lineup for Opening Day 2025.

With defensive lapses contributing to their World Series Game 5 loss, bolstering infield defense could be a move that resonates well with fans looking for a tighter, more reliable roster.

Yankees’ internal options to replace Torres

Despite facing doubts about his size and power, Triple-A second baseman Caleb Durbin, standing at just 5-foot-6, has consistently proven his critics wrong with his impressive hitting ability.

Durbin’s batting prowess has been evident at every level he’s played. This year, his .299 average leads his club. Moreover, he’s a prolific base stealer, swiping 36 bags last year and currently tied for fourth in the International League with 15 steals in 35 games.

Known for his relentless work ethic, Durbin primarily plays second base, his strongest position, due to the absence of the more highly regarded prospect Jorbit Vivas, who has been sidelined for most of the year. However, Durbin has also demonstrated his versatility by starting at third base, shortstop, left field, and center field.

The Yankees acquired Durbin from the Braves just three days after Christmas in 2022, in exchange for big-league reliever Lucas Luetge. Two and a half years later, Durbin appears to be on the path to becoming a major leaguer. He could potentially compete for the starting role at second base in 2025, either immediately or at some point during the season. A utility role is another possibility for Durbin.

In Double-A, the infield prospect to watch is Ben Cowles, who recently made his debut on MLB Pipeline’s Yankees’ top 30 prospect rankings. Selected in the 10th round of the 2021 draft, Cowles has earned his spot in the rankings with an outstanding start for the Somerset Patriots, boasting a .333 average that ranks second in the Eastern League.

As Durbin and Cowles continue to excel in the upper minors, they are positioning themselves as intriguing options for the Yankees’ future infield plans. While they may not garner the same hype as the organization’s top prospects, their performances suggest that they could make significant contributions at the major league level in the coming years.

Cowles, standing at 6-foot and weighing 180 pounds, has demonstrated his impressive right-handed power, leading the Big Ten in home runs during his junior year at Maryland in 2021. He also showcased his defensive prowess, leading all Arizona Fall League shortstops in fielding percentage.

While Cowles may be best suited for second base or a utility role at the major league level, his continued success at the plate will undoubtedly earn him an opportunity to prove himself.

One of the most intriguing names in the Yankees’ organization is Roc Riggio, the second baseman for the High A Hudson Valley Renegades. Riggio, who stands at just 5-foot-9, is reminiscent of Alex Verdugo in terms of his playing style and personality. He’s an entertaining player to watch and an engaging personality to interview. Despite his smaller stature, Riggio possesses a strong bat and surprising power.

MLB Pipeline’s scouting report on Riggio draws comparisons to Red Sox great Dustin Pedroia, one of the most successful undersized second basemen in recent history. The similarities are evident, and the Yankees made a shrewd move by selecting Riggio in the fourth round of last year’s draft. He possesses exceptional skills and a rare “it” factor that sets him apart.

Although Riggio’s current batting average with Hudson Valley stands at .212, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to make solid contact. It’s not unreasonable to envision Riggio as the Yankees’ future starting second baseman, given his talent and potential to excel at the highest level.

In Tampa, the Yankees have a trio of promising 19-year-old infield prospects.

Alongside Arias and Lombard, there’s the lesser-known Enmanuel Tejeda, who currently ranks fourth in the Florida State League with a .330 batting average. Despite his diminutive stature at 5-foot-9 and 158 pounds and a lack of power, Tejeda’s manager spoke highly of him during our conversation before Wednesday’s game.

James Cooper characterized Tejeda as an individual who perceives himself as a formidable force, despite his physical limitations. He likened Tejeda to a small cat who views himself as a mighty lion, exuding confidence and determination on the field.

Tejeda has been sidelined for the past week due to a mild shoulder strain, which he suffered while making a diving play at third base. However, he is expected to return to action by next week, if not sooner.

While second base is considered Tejeda’s primary position, he also showcases his versatility by playing third base and shortstop. His hitting prowess has been evident throughout his young career, as he batted .289 in the Dominican Summer League in 2022, .307 in the Florida Complex League last year, and is currently maintaining an average well above .300 as one of the youngest players in the FSL.

Much like the Yankees’ lesser-known infield prospects performing at higher levels—Durbin, Cowles, and Riggio—Tejeda has the potential to become a future Yankee who makes a significant impact at the major league level.

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