Yankees 2B Gleyber Torres will be the first litmus test on winning

The Natural

There has been a lot of discussion amongst the fans and other observers on whether or not Torres is ready to play in the majors. Let’s put an end to that right now.

Torres’ talent had him as the number one prospect in baseball for a time, until his injury and lack of playing time in 2017 knocked him all the way to sixth. That’s why C Gary Sanchez said this to Mike Mazzeo of the Daily News last March:

"“There have been a lot of expectations from (Gleyber) and he’s been able to show his skills,” Sanchez said through a translator. “I think he’s a five-tool player, a complete player with a lot of talent. He’s been impressive…If he doesn’t start with team now, I guess he’s close.”"

This, Too, Shall Pass

But there are concerns. First is the injury to his non-throwing arm; this report from October by Dan Martin and George A. King III, however, should mollify most fans.

"The 20-year-old Torres has been out since June, when he suffered a torn UCL in his left elbow while sliding awkwardly into home in a game with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The injury resulted in season-ending surgery. Torres, meanwhile, posted a video on Twitter of him swinging in a batting cage on Wednesday, along with this message: “After long months of recovery, I can finally hit again and that makes me super happy. Now let’s keep working and keep improving.” The Yankees expect him to be ready for spring training."

So his injury is unlikely to be an issue. In addition, rather than a hindrance in 2018, the Yankees will probably benefit from Torres taking a year off as he should be even more strong and spry.

That, however, is the first possible impediment, not the last.