The New York Yankees are on the brink of significant changes as they grapple with the impending departure of infielder Gleyber Torres, who is expected to enter free agency this offseason. The 26-year-old player, known for his strong offensive capabilities, has struggled to maintain his previous form but has proven valuable throughout his tenure with the team.
Recent reports indicate, as noted by Jack Curry of YES Network, Torres's return to the Yankees is unlikely. This development adheres to the trend of the Yankees reshaping their roster dynamics after the conclusion of the 2024 season, especially with the recent departure of bats like Juan Soto to the New York Mets and their enthusiastic exploration of new talent.
One of the leading candidates to fill the void left by Torres is Ha-Seong Kim. The versatile infielder, who can play second base, shortstop, and third base, has recently been under scrutiny due to his shoulder surgery. Expected to make his return by late April, Kim will demand substantial investment as he is projected to sign for around $60 million over four years. This figure raises questions about whether the Yankees are willing to part with such resources after already investing heavily to revamp their pitching staff.
Despite this injury concern, Kim’s defensive credentials are appealing to teams, particularly the Yankees, who currently face the challenge of replenishing their lineup. Predictably, he is being compared to Willy Adames, another player who recently secured a major contract. Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report highlighted Kim's statistics: "At his best, Adames is a 30-homer slugger who plays Gold Glove-caliber defense at shortstop. At his best, Kim is only capable of the latter.” This statement reveals Kim's potential, albeit contingent upon his recovery from surgery.
While the Yankees could pursue Kim as their next second baseman, should his price exceed their comfort level, they may shift their gaze toward internal options or cheaper free agents. Chris Kirschner from The Athletic relayed the team's perspective, stating, "The Yankees currently have a hole at second base. They could easily re-sign Torres if there was interest, but it’s clear they would prefer to go a different direction." This reflects not only the team's vision but also the realities of their financial maneuvers this offseason.
There has been speculation about other teams interested in Torres should he hit free agency. The Seattle Mariners have emerged as potential suitors for the right-handed slugger. MLB analyst Robbie Hyde remarked on the positive change Torres experienced when moved to the leadoff spot, citing his improvement: "(Torres) did hit a lotbetter in the second half after Aaron Boone moved him to the leadoff spot, and he did have a very good season back in 2023." This points to the upside Torres could continue to provide—making him attractive to any team seeking improved offensive performance.
Despite the underwhelming numbers from the 2024 season, which saw him post a .709 OPS with 15 home runs over 665 plate appearances, Torres has shown he possesses the potential to bounce back. His career stats demonstrate consistency: over 100 OPS+ and 138 career home runs. Alongside this, Tim Britton from The Athletic projected Torres might secure a three-year, $45 million contract, proving his market value remains significant even amid uncertainties.
Beyond Torres and Kim, other roster dynamics will also shift as the Yankees look to fill various gaps. With Paul Goldschmidt's addition to first base, it is speculated Jazz Chisholm Jr. may slide over to second base, thereby reducing Torres’s role and opportunities for him to stay with the team. This calculated realignment signifies the Yankees' commitment to enhancing their competitiveness.
Moving forward, the Yankees' decisions surrounding their roster will substantially impact the overall team structure for the upcoming seasons. Torres's potential exit could mark the end of one chapter for the Yankees, but it simultaneously opens doors for fresh talent and strategic adaptability. The front office's willingness to invest strategically demonstrates their aim to not only recover from recent setbacks but to position themselves for future successes.
While the uncertainties revolving around Gleyber Torres continue, they reflect broader themes of evolution and change within the Yankees organization. The shift away from familiar faces like Torres embodies the franchise's exploration of new directions, driven by the need for improvements across the roster. Fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly keep close tabs on how this story develops as the offseason progresses.
