Yankees' polarizing qualifying offer decision likely ends core player's career in NY

We thought the end of Gleyber Torres' time with the New York Yankees was fast approaching at the 2022 MLB trade deadline. Though he survived that rumor onslaught, it seemed like the 2024 arbitration projections might do him in before Opening Day.

Somehow, some way, Torres got to the end of his rookie contract in New York, and even began to thrive down the stretch in a new and burdensome role in the lineup. Unfortunately, for those in favor of his return, he didn't do quite enough for the Yankees to feel comfortable gambling with $21 million.

Despite a second half in which he hit .293 with a .780 OPS, mostly out of the leadoff spot, followed by an October where he was almost always on base in the first inning, ready to be stranded by Aaron Judge, Gleyber Torres was not extended the qualifying offer on Monday afternoon at the 5:00 PM EST deadline.

That means Torres can depart without draft pick compensation being offered to the Yankees this winter. In the end, they just weren't comfortable risking a $7 million raise to gain leverage in negotiations. In all likelihood, they were ready to move on.

Yankees Qualifying Offer Decisions: Juan Soto yes, Gleyber Torres no

That means if Soto departs in free agency, the Yankees will be gifted with a compensatory draft pick, which will certainly make fans feel better. After all, collecting draft picks and prospects is how you win titles. Re-signing generational talents is too easy.

Torres ended 2024 as just a sliver above a league-average bat, posting a 101 OPS+. He was firmly above average in both 2022 (113) and 2023 (118), out-bWAR'ing his 2024 season considerably (4.0 to 2.9 to 1.8). His '22 season, in particular, started off so promisingly, but plummeted after trade deadline chatter infiltrated his brain; he hit .180 with a .464 OPS in August as the Yankees' slide began.

There's more than just offense to the game of baseball, of course, and any Yankee critic will be quick to remind you that Torres led all second basemen in errors in 2024 with 18, often making special plays smoothly while botching routine ones. Game 1 of the World Series immediately comes to mind. Torres' bloopers on the base paths were also well documented, and the standout slugger will have plenty of hurdles to overcome at his next stop.

Ultimately, this was a successful career in pinstripes for Torres, acquired in exchange for Aroldis Chapman back in 2016. It will, however, likely end ringless during a pivotal offseason.