The New York Yankees have a lot of options for the highly touted shortstop. But while some decisions should be easy to make, others will require much more contemplation.
Gleyber Torres was on his way to the New York Yankees, putting together impressive performances in Triple-A on a nightly basis.
Then an injury ended his chances of making the big show in 2017.
Torres underwent Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing elbow, a rare procedure for position players. At that point, he was already in general manager Brian Cashman’s blueprint for the future. The Yankees’ front office expected him to debut this past season, but he will have to wait.
Two major questions surround the New York’s situation with the Venezuelan.
First, the Yankees need to determine whether to start him in the big leagues next season or not. The second inquiry regards the position he will occupy on the field, as he has experience in three different infield spots.
It’s barely winter, but fans and analysts are already pondering and debating over possible options. One answer is relatively simple. The other is not.
Torres needs to let his shoulder heal properly. Thus, while he could be deemed ready by Spring Training, the front office needs to be cautious. It’s similar to Judge and his sudden surgery predicament.
But even when the top prospect is ready to take the field, he should see some time in the minors before he makes his way up. He needs to earn his way up by ensuring he can produce to the same degree post-injury as he was prior to it.
And he also needs more work in whatever position he will play – likely third base. Lastly, if the team lets him play in the minors for the first few months, he won’t become a free agent as early as expected.
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Chase Headley can hold down the spot in the beginning of 2018. Yet, with the Yankees in an era of youth, the third baseman’s expiration date at the hot corner is getting closer.
The veteran 33-year-old has had his moments in pinstripes – hot stretches at the plate – and provides experience on the field. But he is not in the team’s future plan in the corner infield spot and is in the last year of his contract.
Headley is merely occupying the position until a younger up-and-comer takes over – in this case Torres. In his three full seasons with New York, Headley ranked 15th or worse in WAR at his position. In 2017 alone, he finished 18th of 22 in the category and ranked next-to-last in OPS.
Hence, Cashman brought in Todd Frazier to fill in at first and third for the second half of the season. Only he wasn’t much better, hitting just .222 and posting a .423 OPS – .017 points higher than Headley.
Some fans have argued to bring back Frazier for the upcoming season, but even the third baseman expects that he will not return to the Bronx.
Just wanted to thank everybody that was a part of Yankees baseball. Especially the FANS!! What a… https://t.co/E8ptapqIQS
— Todd Frazier (@FlavaFraz21) October 23, 2017
That ties in with why Torres will likely continue to get work in at third. The natural shortstop has played the middle infield for nearly all of his playing career. But Didi Gregorius seems to be the real deal, proving he can mash as well as any other shortstop in the league.
However, it also depends on whether the Yankees have any interest in bringing Manny Machado or another third baseman in next offseason. Machado would be an Alex Rodriguez-like signing for the 2019 season that would improve the already-stacked lineup.
Starlin Castro may not be the future of the organization at second base, but he is until at least 2019, barring any trades. Torres spent some time at second base in the minors. He could be utilized there if New York does pursue a third baseman next offseason.
Gregorius or Castro could also be used as trade bait to open up one of the vacancies. Or Torres could even be dealt to acquire a premier pitcher for the rotation. There’s also the race for Bryce Harper next season, which could allow all the infielders to remain in their places.
The Yankees will have a reliable lineup filled with young talent for the next few seasons. Torres plans to be a part of it too. He knows the future of the team is bright.
Next: What the Yanks' bullpen situation looks like
Now fans just have to see where he will be on the field and when he will arrive to be dubbed a Baby Bomber.