COULD THE RED SOX BE CALLING THE YANKEES FOR GLEYBER TORRES?

Source: AP

Earlier this week we learned that Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story had surgery to repair a ligament in his right elbow. This injury will likely sideline Story for most of the 2023 season. And with the Sox parting ways with longtime player Xander Bogaerts, the wide open middle infield position will be a focus for the Yankees' division rival Red Sox. Both Gleyber Torres and Isiah Kiner-Falefa could be a target for the Sox. And with Torres declining the Yankees qualifying offer to avoid arbitration Friday, he could be the one to go. Could the Red Sox call the Yankees for Torres? Let's dig into it. 

Source: NBC Sports

According to NESN, "The middle infield was an area of need before Story went down. Now, it’s a potentially crushing weakness, unless Boston dips into free agency and/or makes a trade. While the Red Sox probably would prefer to stay away from doing business with the Yankees, they simply can’t afford to leave any stones unturned. There just aren’t many impact options available in either market."

The Yankees themselves have a need for a corner outfielder, specifically a left fielder and of course who doesn't need pitching? What would the Red Sox be willing to give up for a guy like Torres?

On Friday, the Red Sox avoided arbitration on five of their essential players which include utility player Christian Arroyo and outfielder Alex Verdugo. Presumably neither would be trade bait which leaves the Yankees to pull from the Sox minor league system which is ridiculous given that the Yankees have depth of their own in their farm. The Sox will likely plug the hole with Arroyo or maybe shift Kiki Hernandez into that role. Hernandez is a guy I would love to get my hands on—that would give an amazingly stacked outfield if Harrison Bader or Hernandez would be willing to move to left field. 

Could the Red Sox call for Torres? Sure but I don't believe Brian Cashman will be answering unless they are willing to give up premier players. The Yankees certainly have the upper hand and have protected their second baseman over the years. This year may be different but I don't see Torres in a Red Sox uniform anytime soon—Kiner-Falefa might be a different story. As far as the Yankees and their left field hole? That might be a hole for a long time, at least into the beginning of the season. Will be interesting to see how the spring shapes up for the Yankees and who will rise as top dog for that position.

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @suzieprof