The New York Yankees and infielder Gleyber Torres have successfully navigated the arbitration process, reaching an agreement that sees Torres earning $14.2 million for the upcoming season. This deal marks his final year under club control before potentially hitting free agency.
At the age of 27, Torres is positioned to explore free agency earlier in his career compared to many players. In the 2023 season, he showcased his offensive prowess with a notable .273/.347/.453 slash line, including 25 home runs, 28 doubles, and two triples in 672 plate appearances. Torres displayed improved plate discipline, walking at a career-high 10% rate and striking out at a career-low 14.6%. While defensive metrics rated him slightly below average, Torres’ well-rounded offensive contributions outweighed any defensive concerns.
Despite frequent trade rumors surrounding Torres during his Yankees tenure, it appears increasingly likely that he will play out his final club-controlled season with the Yankees. As the team aims for a postseason return, highlighted by significant moves like acquiring Juan Soto and pursuing Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Torres stands out as a key offensive asset.
Torres has experienced a mix of highs and lows with the Yankees. While duplicating his exceptional 38-homer season from 2019 might be a challenge, his consistent above-average hitting since transitioning from shortstop to second base positions him as a reliable contributor. Whether this change in defensive responsibilities positively impacted his offensive performance remains speculative, but Torres has maintained a solid .266/.330/.452 batting line since the shift.
Heading into free agency next year, Torres, with his youth and established offensive track record, is poised to be among the premier infielders available. The potential for a qualifying offer and the Yankees securing a 2025 draft pick adds an intriguing layer to Torres’ future. Moreover, the emergence of prospect Oswald Peraza suggests a possible succession plan for the Yankees at second base in 2025.