We are still in the holiday season with the new year approaching and the Yankees are working behind the scenes to improve their chances at a World Series in 2023. The bombers have been very active thus far in the off-season re-signing Aaron Judge as well as Anthony Rizzo and signing stud starter Carlos Rodon to a six-year deal.
Now, the Yankees focus is on the vacancy in left field. Technically, they could fill the role internally with options like Oswaldo Cabrera, Aaron Hicks, and Estevan Florial. However, it’s very obvious that New York is intent on making a move to bring in someone who will be an upgrade to that position.
Their top target all along has been Bryan Reynolds. Despite lengthy conversations, those conversations have appeared to stall for the moment. The Diamondbacks’ outfielders have been in discussions as well as the Twins’ Max Kepler.
In conversations, Gleyber Torres‘ name has come up. The Yankees nearly traded Torres at the deadline for Pablo Lopez. However, New York wasn’t willing to part with Oswald Peraza in that deal for Lopez. Torres was to-be the centerpiece and New York was perfectly fine with moving him.
Yankees moving closer to trading Torres?
As things currently stand, Peraza is the clear favorite to be the starting shortstop for the Yankees in 2023. However, Anthony Volpe was told by Brian Cashman that he has the chance to win the starting job to start the season as well. There has been talks that Peraza and Volpe could both start next year with one shifting to second base.
DJ LeMahieu is also expected to be 100% to start the season for the Yankees. Josh Donaldson appears unmoveable at the moment which means he’s likely locked in at third base. With Rizzo manning first, there are five infielders for the two spots up the middle counting Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Torres has two years left before he hits free agency. He had a solid year for the Yankees last year although it’s still a ways off from his prime years a few years back. His value hasn’t been this high since those prime years. My guess is that the Yankees are definitely thinking of moving him for the right deal.
I would put the odds at better than 50/50 to be honest. His name has come up in mocks for Kepler as well as the White Sox for closer Liam Hendricks. If New York gives Volpe and Peraza a serious chance, I think that IKF and Torres are likely both gone before opening day.