New York Yankees Reportedly Haven't Held Extension Talks With All-Star Infielder
Second baseman Gleyber Torres is arguably the New York Yankees' third best position player on the roster, even after the arrival of superstar Juan Soto.
And like Soto, Torres is also in the final year of his arbitration, which means he is set to hit the free agent market next winter.
While the Yankees can sign both players to contract extensions if they wish, they haven't begun talks in either area.
According to general manager Brian Cashman, the team has not held any discussions about an extension with Torres, per Greg Joyce of The New York Post.
Torres is coming off a big year, in which he hit .273/.347/.453 with a .800 OPS, 25 home runs, 68 RBIs and a 2.9 bWAR.
Even still, the Yankees talked to the Boston Red Sox at the trade deadline about a deal that would've brought outfielder Alex Verdugo to the Bronx. The Yankees wound up acquiring Verdugo from Boston anyway in December without giving up Torres. But given the fact the Yankees were discussing a trade involving Torres last summer could mean they don't necessarily see a future with the 27-year-old infielder.
However, another strong campaign from Torres could earn him a long-term deal with the Yankees, especially if the team is unable to retain Soto, who is projected to land a historic deal in the range of $500-$600 million.
Torres is one of the few big name Yankee prospects to pan out in recent years, making the All-Star team in back-to-back seasons from 2018-2019. And after a couple down years in a row, he was back to being one of the best second basemen in the league from an offensive standpoint in 2023.
If he can put together another All-Star caliber season, and step up as the true third best option in the Yankees' lineup after Soto and Aaron Judge, Torres will get paid handsomely next winter whether it's with New York or someone else.
For now, it doesn't appear like a long-term extension is in the cards for Torres, who looks to be destined to test free agency next year, like Soto.
It has not been confirmed, nor denied whether or not the Yankees have approached Soto about an extension, but the expectation is that he will test the waters in free agency, as MLB insider Ken Rosenthal speculated on "Foul Territory" earlier in the week.
