In the world of the New York Yankees, if there’s a player they simply cannot afford to lose, it’s second baseman Gleyber Torres. Despite a struggling offense and sporadic performances across the team, Torres has emerged as one of the Yankees’ most reliable hitters this year, sporting an impressive .264/.330/.439 slash line.
Yankees Sweeping Victory and Torres’ Fitness Update
Recently, the Yankees emerged victorious from a three-game series sweep against the Kansas City Royals. However, Torres stepped out of Sunday’s game due to hip tightness. Thankfully, according to manager Aaron Boone, Torres reported feeling better post-match, pointing to the possibility of his discomfort being mere cramps.
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Torres: From Trade Piece to Infield Staple
Torres, the 26-year-old infielder, has oscillated between being viewed as a potential trade piece and an essential element in the Yankees’ infield. In July alone, Torres displayed impressive figures, hitting a .325 average with a .357 OBP, .532 slugging percentage, and .890 OPS. With four homers, 11 RBIs, and only 14 strikeouts in 77 at-bats, Torres registered 25 hits. Remarkably, he has hit three homers in his last five games, accompanied by five RBIs and just two strikeouts.
Potential Impact of Torres’ Absence
Losing Torres now could be a substantial setback, particularly as the Yankees strive to secure additional wins ahead of the trade deadline. Currently, the Yankees trail by only 2.0 games from the Toronto Blue Jays for the final Wild Card spot. Consequently, it is plausible that general manager Brian Cashman will be buying at the deadline to augment the team.
Evaluating Torres’ Performance and Future
Considering his offensive output this year and his league-average defense, it seems Torres is safe from potential trades. Although his defensive performance has taken a slight hit, playing 744.1 innings at second base with a .973 fielding percentage and one defensive run saved, his offensive prowess offsets these shortcomings. Despite enduring nine errors this season, Torres’ recent efficiency and batting prowess have outshined any speculation of him being moved.
Presently, Torres might have made a strong case for a long-term deal. At the prime age of 26, he has two consecutive above-average offensive seasons under his belt. Given the team’s hitting struggles this year, letting go of one of their key players could turn out to be a detrimental move.