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Yankees‘ former All-Star infielder Gleyber Torres has had a challenging season, drawing comparisons to the desolate and barren landscape of Mars. In a crucial contract year, his performance has not lived up to expectations, but there is hope for improvement in the second half of the 2024 season.
The Yankees Need to End on a High Note
As the Yankees prepare for their final game before the All-Star break against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday afternoon, Torres aims to end this phase on a high note. The 27-year-old sports a batting line of .230/.307/.347 for the season, with eight home runs, 35 RBIs, a 22.6% strikeout rate, and a 9.6% walk rate, culminating in a 90 wRC+. Despite these modest numbers, a promising start to July, where he has hit .267/.371/.300, suggests a potential turnaround.
Struggling with Power and Defense
Despite some improvement in his batting average and on-base percentage, Torres’s power hitting remains inconsistent. This season, his hard-hit rate has dropped to a career-low of 35.3%, and his barrel rate is the lowest since 2020 at 6.3%. Furthermore, his expected slugging percentage sits in the 17th percentile at .351, indicating a significant decline from the player who hit 25 home runs last season.
Defensively, Torres has also struggled, playing 792 innings at second base with -5 defensive runs saved, highlighting his liabilities in the field.
Yankees’ Potential Roster Changes and Trade Opportunities
General manager Brian Cashman is considering options to strengthen the infield and has been in discussions about acquiring Jazz Chisholm from the Miami Marlins.
Chisholm, currently playing second base, is being showcased for his defensive skills, but it’s his powerful bat and exceptional base-running abilities that make him an attractive option. His presence in the Yankees’ lineup, potentially leading off in front of hitters like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, could significantly boost the team’s offensive dynamics.
Torres’s Last Chance to Impress
After a strong showing on Friday with three hits and an RBI, Torres has a limited window to prove his worth with just two weeks remaining until the trade deadline. While there is interest in other potential infield targets, Torres’s recent performance could influence Cashman’s decision on whether to maintain the current lineup or pursue a trade, making this a critical time for Torres to demonstrate his value to the team.
