Gleyber Torres’ leadoff resurgence could force Yankees to reconsider free agency

The first half of the season was a letdown for Yankees’ veteran second baseman Gleyber Torres. In a crucial contract year, hoping to land a lucrative deal after the 2024 season, Torres struggled with a disappointing .231/.307/.347 slash line before the All-Star break. His power numbers dropped significantly, and his home run production declined, marking one of the most challenging stretches of his career.

Since being benched on June 26 for his lack of hustle, Torres has a slash line of .294/.362/.416 along with eight home runs, and has reached base safely in 63 of 69 games. Torres’ play lately has been leaving fans with questions as to whether the Yankees should pivot and re-sign the impending free agent after this season. 

Instead of hitting for power in the middle of the lineup, Torres now finds himself hitting for contact atop it, which leads to setting up outfielders Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. That refocus on putting bat on ball has, ironically, helped the power swing return, as evidenced by his extremely casual home run to dead center in Oakland on Sunday afternoon.

Gleyber Torres becoming a part of Yankees' future again with leadoff surge?

Torres has become a key player for the Yankees, solidifying a leadoff role that was previously a trouble spot. Early attempts with Anthony Volpe, Alex Verdugo, and DJ LeMahieu were unsuccessful due to performance issues and injuries, forcing the team to adjust.

There is no question Torres is a below-average defensive second baseman, posting his career-worst -12 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and -7 Outs Above Average (OAA). He also sports a .968 fielding percentage and 18 errors in 2024. But, for now, the Yankees will look to ride the hot bat of Torres into the midst of October and hope a scorcher doesn't find him at an inopportune moment.

At 27, Torres may have turned around what looked like a disappointing free agency. His strong second-half performance has boosted his value, and may have prompted the Yankees to rethink his future with the team. Although he's not known for his defense, his offensive production has become difficult to overlook, and the Yankees front office will have a lot of thinking to do this winter.

The key question for the Yankees is whether Torres will be wearing pinstripes and be their leadoff hitter in 2025, particularly if they choose to secure Juan Soto with a long-term extension. With Soto's likely high cost, the Yankees may not have the budget for Torres, currently earning $14.2 million in arbitration. He's likely aiming for $15-20 million annually in his next contract.

If Torres is willing to take a pay cut, the discussion changes. The Yankees have plenty of young talent, including Jazz Chisholm Jr., Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and Caleb Durbin, ready to fill the second base role if they choose not to re-sign him.

The Yankees must weigh Torres' offensive output against his defensive issues, especially if a cheaper alternative with similar production is available. His future in pinstripes hinges on whether the team values his bat or opts for a more balanced second baseman. Right now, the Yankees will take Torres' bat and run with it into October baseball.