One way or another, the New York Yankees are going to have to make a future decision on Gleyber Torres and if he is a viable long-term solution at shortstop. By all accounts, Torres is simply not cut out for the position, considering he hosts a .958 fielding percentage and 13 errors this year. The league average at shortstop regarding fielding percentage is .973, and Torres comes in well below that threshold. With that being said, the Bombers could be eyeing a potential replacement for him by the trade deadline on Friday, and Colorado Rockies star Trevor Story stands out.
However, while Story has been rumored to be a target for New York, they’ve also considered the idea of moving him to centerfield, where they desperately need more help. Nonetheless, Story is in the final year of a two-year, $27.5 million contract and is owed $17.5 million this season. The Rockies would pick up half of that number as we are at the midway point, and he would immediately help a roster in desperate need of reinforcements.
Former teammate, DJ LeMahieu, had a glowing review of Story, attesting to his qualities with the bat and awesome defensive prowess, per NJ.com (paywall):
“Baseball-wise, obviously, it kind of speaks for itself. He’s extremely talented and does all the little things well. He’s fast. He plays good defense. He’s a good player,†LeMahieu said.
“He can hit any fastball,†LeMahieu said. “He’s a really good fastball hitter. He does the little things, too. He’ll move a guy. He’s a team guy. Physically, he’s just extremely talented. He’ll take anyone’s heater away from them.
Story is having a down year offensively, hitting .242 with 12 homers and 46 RBIs. However, that is better than the majority of the Yankee batters, and while he’s not providing incredible hitting, his defense remains as good as ever.
“He makes all the routine plays and he’s got the ability to make some very athletic plays. He turns hits into outs. To me, his defensive game has really grown over the years. He’s gotten way better. Not that he was bad, but he’s more consistent, which you should be at shortstop.â€
With Story in the final year of his contract, the Yankees likely wouldn’t have to give up the farm for him, but rather a few prospects. The Bombers have plenty of talent in the minors to consider offering, but they have to be sure that Trevor can aid them in their quest to reach the postseason. Currently, the Yankees sit 9.0 games back in the AL East and 3.5 games back in the Wild Card. Their best bet is reaching the Wild Card game to try and sneak their way into the postseason.