BREAKING: Yankees Set To Trade 2-Time All-Star at the Deadline

The New York Yankees might be ready for a World Series run in addition to being in a position to acquire at the trade deadline. In the American League East, the Yankees lead the Baltimore Orioles 42-19. It’s a fact that’s sometimes forgotten: the Yankees might have to give up some key players in order to acquire quality assets at the deadline. Gleyber Torres might be a major league trade chip, as Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

As the trade deadline draws near, Kuty mentioned Torres and Alex Verdugo as possible trade pieces for the Yankees. Following the season, they will both be eligible for free agency.

It might have appeared more probable throughout spring training that the Yankees would part with Verdugo rather than Torres. At the end of the season, both players will be free agents, Kuty wrote. However, Verdugo was viewed more as a capable stand-in for Domínguez during his summer recovery from Tommy John surgery. Even though Torres’ name had surfaced in trade rumors in the past, he appeared ready to produce a lot of value before entering free agency.

Torres’ Disappointing Season

Torres had a successful campaign in 2023. With 25 home runs, he slashed.273/.347/.453. With just 14.6% strikeouts, he was in the 91st percentile. He is slashing.230/.308/.324 this season with a 24.3% strikeout rate.

This season, Torres has participated in 61 games and served as the team’s starting second baseman. But Kuty believes he’s more likely to be moved than Verdugo because of his dismal season.

“Verdugo has given the Yankees the kind of stability in left field that they haven’t had since Brett Gardner, and Torres has been a disappointment,” Kuty said. “He’s also become a major part of the clubhouse and a fan favorite for his ‘dawg’ antics.”

Yankees Deadline Needs

Compared to last season, the Yankees are in a very different position. Many people found it difficult to imagine the Yankees achieving to the extent that they have after Gerrit Cole’s injury prior to the season. Cole’s comeback is almost here. His return will probably be more beneficial to the Yankees than any player they might acquire through trade.

On June 3, Cole will report to Double-A Somerset for his rehab assignment. Prior to making his Major League debut in 2024, he will start several rehab stints.

In the game against the Hartford Yard Goats at 6:35 p.m. ET, Cole might throw about 50 pitches, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. Cole is anticipated to require at least two Minor League rehab appearances before he is ready to make his season debut, according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone.

According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, “the Yankees’ right side of the infield has underperformed and if the production doesn’t improve, that will be the area of focus to upgrade via trades.”

Throughout 2018 and 2019, Torres was an All-Star. He has since participated in 528 Yankees games. After this season, he will become a free agent for the first time. If the Yankees want to obtain something in return for the 27-year-old, they may decide to trade him before the deadline. Although his worth may not be great, he might be traded for an upgrade at second base.

In the event that the Yankees decide they need a change at second base and decide not to trade Torres, they have internal choices. Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and Jon Berti are mentioned by Kuty as possible candidates.