The Yankees have dropped the first two games of a three-game series to the Cincinnati Reds, but they’re getting a first-hand look at one of their top players ahead of the trade deadline in late July.
Infield Woes: The Search for Reinforcements
The Yankees face a few difficult decisions at the end of the month, but most importantly, they need infield support badly. Their primary starters are struggling offensively, and the defensive production has been just as problematic. That’s why Jonathan India could be a perfect fit for the Bombers if the Reds are willing to move him.
Jonathan India: A Potential Game-Changer for the Yankees
The 27-year-old still has multiple years left of team control until he’s a free agent in 2027. This year, he’s hitting .272/.380/.401, including five homers and 34 RBIs. While he’s not exactly providing the slugging prowess he showed back in 2021 as a rookie, hitting 21 homers, he’s increasing his contact quality, which seems to be improving gradually.
India is a true and tried second baseman, playing 600.2 innings at the spot this year, hosting -10 defensive runs saved and two outs above average. The problem with India isn’t his offense but his defensive issues. However, he’s no better or worse than Torres, who has his fair share of mental lapses.
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Statistical Superiority: India’s Impressive Metrics
The difference between the two is that India ranks in the 95th percentile and 100th percentile in launch angle sweet-spot and chase rate, not to mention the 94th percentile in batting run value. In other words, he has tremendous hit tools, and his expected metrics are actually better than some of his actual numbers, suggesting he’s been getting a bit unlucky at times.
India isn’t necessarily known for his power-hitting anymore, but he makes good contact, and he makes it frequently. In addition, he’s hitting .346/.439/.558 with runners in scoring position, including two homers and 30 RBIs over 66 plate appearances. India serves as the primary lead-off man for the Yankees since Anthony Volpe has been struggling over the past few weeks and is trending in the wrong direction.
Roster Decisions: What About Torres?
The question would be, what do the Yankees do with Torres? In this instance, general manager Brian Cashman may elect to trade him for pitching support, allowing another team to get eyes on his talent before he becomes a free agent this upcoming off-season. At this point, it doesn’t seem likely that the Yankees will retain him on a new deal, especially since he’s been so volatile over the course of his career and is having one of his worst seasons to date. Torres couldn’t be struggling at a more inopportune time.
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A Dual Approach: Strengthening Second Base and Beyond
India would provide an immediate upgrade, but the Yankees also have needs at third base. DJ LeMahieu has been struggling to get started over the past few weeks following a return from my right foot injury. The problem is that there are not many options on the corner via the trade market, so the Yankees may have better luck finding a solution at second base and improving there while trying to use Torres as bait for bullpen support.