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New York Yankees Rumors: Four potential options for shortstop following the injury to Didi Gregorius

By Paul Ashley

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 8: Didi Gregorius #18 of the New York Yankees throws to first base for the out during Game 3 of the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on Monday, October 8, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 8: Didi Gregorius #18 of the New York Yankees throws to first base for the out during Game 3 of the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on Monday, October 8, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 22: Gleyber Torres /

Even if the New York Yankees had a desire to bring Machado into the fold, it is not a guarantee that they will be able to sign him as many teams will be pursuing him this offseason.  Due to this, they may need to look at in-house options until Gregorius is able to return to the team.

The most obvious in-house option for the Yankees would be the soon-to-be 22-year-old Gleyber Torres.  If it was not for a unique season by Shohei Ohtani and an incredible season by Andujar, Torres would likely be the leading candidate for the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year award.  Even though he will likely not win the award, he is an extremely talented player.

Through 123 games, Torres compiled 41 XBHs, 77 RBI, and an .820 OPS.  He also earned a trip to the All-Star game even though he was not called up until the end of April.

Torres spent 109 games at second base at the MLB level, but he was a shortstop all throughout the minor league levels with both the Chicago Cubs and the Yankees.  When Gregorius spent time on the disabled list in 2018, Torres filled in at shortstop.

Through 21 games at shortstop, Torres committed 5 errors and held a .928 fielding percentage through 152 innings at the position.  Through the 109 games at second base, Torres only committed 12 errors and held a .970 fielding percentage through 915.2 innings at the position.

Even though Torres looked shaky at shortstop at the MLB level, spending a full spring training at the position could help him play the more consistent defense fans are used to seeing him play at second base.  This would also only be temporary if he does not perform at a high level as when Gregorius is able to return to the team, Torres will shift back to second base.

The Yankees could then either use Tyler Wade, Ronald Torreyes, or Neil Walker for second base until Torres is able to move back to the position upon the return of Gregorius.  Wade and Torreyes are under team control for next season, but Walker would need to be re-signed as he will soon be a free agent.

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