The New York Yankees are facing some important decisions in free agency, and second baseman Gleyber Torres is one of their key players on the market.
Torres has been the Yankees’ starting second baseman since 2018, but he is now a free agent. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter predicts that Torres will leave the Bronx and sign with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Reuter foresees Torres becoming Toronto’s starting second baseman and batting second in their lineup, which also includes projected additions of Nolan Arenado and Michael Conforto.
Projected Starting Lineup for 2025:
- RF George Springer
- 2B Gleyber Torres
- 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- 3B Nolan Arenado
- LF Michael Conforto
- SS Bo Bichette
- CF Daulton Varsho
- DH Spencer Horwitz
- C Alejandro Kirk
- SP Kevin Gausman
Reuter notes that while the Blue Jays sold at the trade deadline, they kept key players and are expected to approach the offseason as buyers. After pursuing Shohei Ohtani last winter, the team is clearly willing to spend when the situation is right. The addition of Torres, along with others, would help solidify Toronto as a serious contender.
The Blue Jays are in need of a second baseman, and Torres could be a perfect fit. The 27-year-old has earned two All-Star selections and in 2023, he hit .257 with 15 home runs and 63 RBIs.
Torres’ Free Agency Outlook Torres is likely to seek a short-term deal in free agency to rebuild his value. MLBTradeRumors predicts he will sign a two-year, $36 million contract. The article notes that Torres, at 28, is still young and considered one of the best pure second basemen available.
Though he may not secure a long-term deal after a somewhat underwhelming 2023 season, he could sign a one- or two-year contract with an option to opt out, setting himself up for a more lucrative deal before hitting 30.
Yankees’ GM Comments on Torres’ Future While Torres remains unsigned, the Yankees appear to be moving forward without him. During the GM meetings, Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman thanked Torres for his contributions over the years but didn’t rule out the possibility of a reunion.
“We’re not sure what we’re going to do yet, but I want to thank Gleyber for the time he was here without closing any doors on a reunion,” Cashman said.
Cashman also acknowledged that the Yankees are evaluating their options at second base, which could include bringing Torres back. He mentioned several internal possibilities, like moving Jazz Chisholm, who briefly played third base, or exploring external options through free agency or trade.
Torres has been with the Yankees organization since 2016 and made his MLB debut in 2018.
