Thursday, October 19, 2023

RUMOR: THE YANKEES ARE READY TO MOVE AN INFIELDER!


The Yankees may end up trading some players away this winter. Hal Steinbrenner says there will be some changes this season, but who knows how substantial those changes will be. We all know we need substantial changes after the season we just had, but Hal has a much different interpretation of what that means.

The Yankees have a massive amount of work to do this winter. Upgrades to the roster will be the easiest fix, but that is just a start for what this organization needs. The Yankees have had a log jam of infielders for a while now, so that may be where they decide to start. They can't keep kicking the can down the road forever.... but who do they start with?


Earlier this week, MLB.com suggested that the Yankees may consider moving Gleyber Torres, read more HERE. The infield has been an unresolved issue for too long. We know DJ LeMahieu will get reps at first, second and third bases. The Yankees are committed to Anthony Volpe at shortstop so that leaves Torres at second base.... or does it?

The Yankees also have Oswald Peraza, and they have no interest in trading him. Instead, they could bring Peraza to Spring Training and let him rotate between second, third and shortstop, which could make Torres redundant. Hal has said he is committed to Peraza and Volpe as the future middle infielders, and they come at a much cheaper price.


If Hal is committed to his up-and-coming talent, this could be the time to move Torres. He will be arbitration eligible and looking for a raise over the $9.95 million he made this season. The Yankees could try to move him to shed some payroll, but should they move one of their most consistent hitters from last season? What about the fact that he was one of the best offensive second basemen in all of MLB last season? There could still be some value to keeping him.


But the Yankees might find more value in shedding his salary to be able to spend it in other areas, like for Cody Bellinger or Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto? There are arguments for both sides. There has also been interest for Torres in the past, the Miami Marlins were interested in him this season at the trade deadline but thought the Yankees' asking price was too steep.

If Hal really wants to make some changes, this would be an easier one to make. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if the Yankees did trade him. I just don't think I would have a strong reaction either way. I'm not anxious for him to leave.... but I am not anxious for him to stay either. I think I am just embracing the idea of change.


Would you want to move Torres? Comment and tell us.... or maybe you are like me at this point and are just indifferent.


--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj






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