GLEYBER TORRES MAY HAVE NARROWED DOWN HIS DESTINATION

Gleyber Torres doesn’t appear to be sprinting into free agency — more like taking a leisurely jog. If his latest moves are any indication, he’s either waiting for the perfect offer or hoping the Yankees come calling again.

Insider Jon Heyman dropped some noteworthy intel on the Bleacher Report podcast: Torres recently turned down a formal contract offer from the Los Angeles Angels. That’s intriguing, considering the Angels desperately need help at second base after posting a woeful .593 OPS at the position last season — second-worst in the majors. It’s a prime spot for someone with Torres’ proven track record.

So why the hesitation? The most obvious answer is geography. Torres seems to have a clear preference for the East Coast, which could drastically shape his free-agency market. After all, the 28-year-old infielder has spent his entire MLB career with the Yankees, hitting .265/.334/.441 with 138 home runs and 441 RBIs over seven seasons. While those numbers don’t scream superstar, they highlight one of Torres’ most valuable traits: he gets on base, a skill that’s always in demand.

Torres became a free agent after the Yankees declined to extend him a qualifying offer. While that could have signaled the end of his time in pinstripes, it’s not entirely out of the question that the Yankees circle back. For now, though, Torres seems content to play the waiting game, and it’s a gamble that could go either way. Wait too long, and he risks underselling himself in a volatile market.

Adding to the intrigue is Torres’ reported preference for Florida-based spring training facilities, narrowing his options to teams like the Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, or Washington Nationals. All three clubs could use a steady bat and experienced infielder, making them logical fits if Torres decides to stay near familiar territory.

But here’s the catch: Torres might not actually want to leave New York in my opinion. It’s hard to blame him. After years in the Bronx, he’s familiar with the bright lights, big games, and the intensity of Yankees baseball. He’s built a life on the East Coast and seems more interested in comfort and continuity than a cross-country move to California.

For now, Torres seems to be playing the field in more ways than one, carefully weighing his options while staying true to what matters most to him. Whether that patience leads him back to the Yankees, or simply keeps him closer to home, remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Torres knows his value, and he’s not in a rush to settle for anything less.