It was not long ago that Gleyber Torres was once the prized prospect on the rise in the New York Yankees organization and it seems like he is trying to remind everyone just how good he can be early in the 2023 season following a year of his name floating in trade rumors.
The 26-year-old infielder is off to a hot start through the first four games of the season, going 4-for-12 at the plate with two home runs and four RBI. Both of his home runs have come driving the ball to right field, including Monday night when he crushed a solo shot in the third inning to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead.
Aaron Boone, appearing on Talkin’ Yanks, spoke about Torres’ approach at the plate — which can be aggressive at times but he seems to have struck a balance.
LISTEN TO AARON BOONE’S FULL INTERVIEW ON AUDACY
“When he’s at his best, he has an aggressive mindset,” Boone said. “One of. The good things we’ve done here through the first few games, not only Gleyber but as a team, we’ve done a good job early in the count being aggressive…but also let the at-bat unfold too. That doesn’t mean just go up there swinging and not changing everything form a control the strike zone, but being really aware of what we’re looking for in certain situations and not being passive at all early in the at-bat.
“Gleyber’s done a very good job at being really aggressive and seeming under control and having good long at-bats when he doesn’t necessarily put one in play right away. He's stringing together a lot of really good at-bats right now.”
That balance was evident in Monday’s 8-1 win over the Phillies when Torres drew three walks, bringing his total to five this season.
Torres had a respectable 2022 season that saw him finish with 24 home runs, 74 RBI and a slash line of .257/.310/.451. His numbers took a nosedive in August following rumors that the Yankees were trying to trade him for a pitcher at the trade deadline.
With much hype around prospects Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza entering spring training, those rumors did not necessarily disappear, but it does seem as if he is using it to fuel some early-season success.
If Torres can continue to have this kind of consistency at the plate, the discussion may shift to why the Yankees cannot lose his bat.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram