What Anthony Volpe’s call-up means for other Yankees middle infielders

Gleyber Torres

Over the last year, Gleyber Torres’ name has been brought up in trade rumors just as much as any Yankee. At the trade deadline, the Yankees reportedly nearly dealt Torres to Miami for Pablo Lopez, but the trade never went through.

Before making his Major League debut in 2018, Torres was a consensus top prospect that was supposed to be the next Baby Bomber star. In his first two major league seasons, it definitely seemed like he was on his way towards that ceiling, as he was named an All-Star and finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2018. While racking up the stats necessary for his second consecutive All-Star nod in 2019, he led all qualified second basemen with 38 home runs.

However, when Torres switched over to shortstop in the shortened 2020 season and in 2021, he had his two worst seasons as a Yankee. As a result of his poor performance, the Yankees moved Torres back to second base in 2022, and he produced a solid season, hitting .257/.310/.451 (115 wRC+) combined with a career high 9 DRS and 0 OAA defensively. His worst month, by far, was August after the trade rumors hit. It's in the Yankees' best interest to insulate him from drama, however possible that may be.

While Torres figures to be a vital piece for the Yankees in 2023, he becomes much more expandable if Volpe produces at a high level. The Yankees have already been known to field trade offers on Torres, so if the team feels they have the right offer in place for him, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Torres in a different uniform at some point.