With the New York Yankees making several offseason moves to bolster their roster, some of their current talents are primed for big years in 2019. One name is Gleyber Torres, the Yankees top prospect a year ago. Despite starting the season in AAA, as well as dealing with a hip injury during the All-Star Break, Torres had a solid rookie season. Expect the now 22-year-old infielder to build off it in 2019.
2018 Stats (New York Yankees):
123 Games, .271/.340/.480/.820, 24 HR, 77 RBI, 42 BB, 122 SO, 54 Runs Scored, 2.9 WAR
Upon making his debut on April 22nd, Torres immediately cemented himself into the lineup at second base. He batted .325/.380/.663/1.043 with nine home runs and 24 RBI in May, helping him make the All-Star team despite a hip injury keeping him out for most of July.
His performance in the first half was enough for him to finish third in AL Rookie of the Year voting, finishing behind Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani and teammate Miguel Andujar.
Coming into 2019, Torres will now have a chance to play his natural position of shortstop. Because Didi Gregorius is out from Tommy John Surgery, Torres will most likely be part of a rotation along with D.J. LeMahieu and Troy Tulowitzki.
The main questions with Torres seem to be minor ones, mainly his plate discipline, defense, and baserunning. Going into his second year in the majors, expect him to improve upon those areas thanks to some experience.