Yankees underestimate how much they will miss Gleyber Torres

The New York Yankees have another area to add to their offseason shopping list.

The Detroit Tigers announced they signed second baseman Gleyber Torres to a one-year contract. Jesse Rogers from ESPN reported that the contract is worth $15 million.

Torres shook off a slow start to put together a respectable showing in 2024. He produced a .257/.330/.378 batting line in his 665 plate appearances, hitting 15 homers and 26 doubles. He took over as the Yankees’ leadoff hitter down the stretch, his bat catching fire as he helped lead the Yankees to the World Series.

The Yankees had an extensive shopping list heading into the offseason. Both corner infield spots, second base, at least one outfielder and the pitching staff were all areas of need. Several of those holes have been filled — starting pitcher Max Fried and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt were signed as free agents, while closer Devin Williams, reliever Fernando Cruz and outfielder Cody Bellinger were acquired via trade.

Replacing Torres will not be as easy. FanGraphs listed Torres as the tenth-best free agent and the only second baseman in their top 50 free agents. He has been one of the better second basemen in the majors over the previous three years, ranking eighth in fWAR (7.9), fourth in home runs (64), eighth in on-base percentage (.330) and ninth in slugging (.427). His departure leaves a significant hole atop the lineup.

The Yankees may have their envisioned replacement already in the system. Infielder Caleb Durbin exploded on the prospect map after setting an Arizona Fall League record with 29 stolen bases. Durbin produced a respectable .287/.396/.471 batting line in 375 Triple-A plate appearances, hitting 10 homers and 23 doubles while stealing 29 bases. He deserves a chance to prove himself at the major league level.

However, minor league success does not always translate in the majors. Durbin will be expected to be a catalyst for the remade Yankees lineup. He will need to fill the shoes of a player who was quietly one of the better second basemen offensively over the past three years. If he falters, the Yankees may regret Torres’ departure more than expected.