Yankees’ Offseason Drama: The Gleyber Torres Saga
The calm before the storm has finally broken, and the Yankees’ offseason news is heating up. In a recent interview with the YES Network, Brian Cashman shed some light on the team’s plans for the upcoming season. One particular topic caught our attention: Gleyber Torres’ refusal to move positions last season.
The Third Base Conundrum
As things stand, the Yankees have one position left to fill: third base. You might wonder why, considering Jazz Chisholm Jr. was playing there primarily after his trade from Miami. However, it turns out Torres outright refused to move positions, forcing Chisholm to learn a new role to avoid a clubhouse meltdown. Kudos to Chisholm for taking on the challenge without complaint.
Cashman Calls Out Torres
In his interview, Cashman didn’t mince words about Torres’ refusal. While some may dislike the Yankees GM, he’s always brutally honest about these matters. This isn’t breaking news, as Torres has been vocal about his distaste for playing third base. He even refused an offer from the Nationals because they wanted him to play there.
Torres’ Hypocrisy
After Cashman’s comments, Torres tweeted (and quickly deleted) a response. It’s hard to understand why he’d take issue with being called out, given his own refusal to be a team player. His defense at second base was the worst in the league last season, and his baserunning was a nightmare. It’s best for all parties that he’s now with the Tigers.
A Look Back at Torres’ Time with the Yankees
While Torres had his moments, like stepping up as a leadoff hitter when Judge was injured, his lows were significant. His defense was often lazy, and Boone would downplay the issue. The Yankees made a conscious decision to improve their defense and baserunning this offseason, which meant not bringing Torres back.
The Current State of Third Base
The Yankees are currently looking at DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza to fill the third base spot. It’s a less-than-impressive lineup, especially when compared to available options like Nolan Arenado. If they stick with their current players, it’ll likely be a priority to address at the deadline.
A Final Thought on Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Despite reported “baggage” from his time in Miami, Chisholm has been a positive influence in the Yankees’ clubhouse. His personality and demeanor are exactly what the team needs. Here’s hoping he has a big season now that he’s settled in at second base.
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