Heading into what could be his final season with the Yankees, Gleyber Torres has been clear about his intentions.
“I don’t want to leave,” the 27-year-old second baseman said Wednesday. I want to be a Yankee for life. »
Torres was an All-Star in his first two seasons with the Yankees, in 2018 and 2019. He slowed down significantly for two years, but rebounded to become a productive player. Last season he hit .273 with 25 home runs, 68 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
Torres has a one-year, $14.2M contract; he is eligible for the free agency market after the World Series.
He hasn’t had any discussions with the club about a long-term deal and he understands: The team might be reluctant following two notable cases, Luis Severino and Aaron Hicks.
Severino agreed to a deal in February 2019 that paid him $52.25M for five seasons, he made only 40 starts and five relief appearances, going 13-12 with a 4.47 ERA.
Hicks agreed to a seven-year, $70M contract that same month; Often injured, he hit only .218 in 303 games before being released last May.
“I don’t blame the Yankees. That’s the business side, Torres said. But if I have a really good season, I think we can have a conversation, for sure. »
Torres doesn’t dwell on the uncertainty: He’s busy working in the field during the day, then he spends time with his son Ethan, who turns 2 next month.
Several other Yankees players can become free agents such as Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, Clay Holmes and Jonathan Loaisiga.
Torres doesn’t want to negotiate during the season, but he hopes the Yankees will still consider a long-term pact.
He was among those arriving early Wednesday — picture day, a reminder of the tradition Torres wants to continue to be a part of, with the Yankees.
“I think he’s very motivated,” manager Aaron Boone said. He was a more mature hitter last year. This promotes greater batting consistency. »
The Toronto Blue Jays will be the visitors in the Yankees’ first home game this season on April 5.
2024-02-21 22:33:19
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