The New York Yankees discussed trading infielder Gleyber Torres before the trade deadline in early August. Torres had a terrible month after hearing the news, but he recovered nicely in September before the season ended.
The New York Yankees want to trade Gleyber Torres to the Seattle Mariners?
With young talent like Oswaldo Cabrera and Anthony Volpe expected to rise through the system, the Yankees may not need Torres in the future, making him expendable.
Torres has taken a few steps in the right direction, particularly on defense. This past season, the 25-year-old earned a.985 fielding percentage in 1082.2 innings at second base for the Yankees.
He had seven errors, 47 double plays, nine above-average defensive runs saved, and break-even outs.
The Seattle Mariners could look to bolster their infield with Torres, a now above-average defender with quality hitting tools, after acquiring Teoscar Hernandez from the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday morning.
Yankees – Mariners Mock Trade:
- Mariners receive:
Torres’ value must be maximized, given that he is 25 years old and has two years of control remaining before entering free agency.
Torres reverted to the aggressive style he displayed during the 2018-2019 seasons. He hit 24 home runs with 76 RBIs this season, posting a career-high 44.9% hard-hit rate and 10.7% barrel rate. Torres hit.257 with a 31% on-base percentage last season, with 24 home runs and 76 RBIs. His 6.8% walk rate was the lowest of his career, and he struck out 22.6% of the time.
Torres has plenty of value to contribute to a playoff-caliber team, thanks to solid slugging metrics and good defense. Given their infield needs, Seattle appears to be making a legitimate run at the postseason next year, and Torres could easily fit into the equation.
- Yankees receive:
Prelander Berroa RHP, SP (#16 Prospect)
Berroa spent last season in Seattle’s farm system, playing in High-A and Double-A. Over the course of 26 games, he pitched 100.2 innings and had a 2.86 ERA. As an expected starter, he struck out 150 batters, a solid number that demonstrates his talent.
He’s regarded as a big strikeout arm with command issues, but the Yankees may be able to capitalize on that flaw and try to mitigate it in the future.
Jonathan Clase OF, Switch Hitter(#13 Prospect)
The Yankees also acquire Seattle’s No. 13 prospect, switch-hitting outfielder Jonathan Clase. He hit.267 in A-ball this season, with a 37.3% on-base rate, a 13% walk rate, and a 26.7% strikeout rate. He hit 13 home runs, had 49 RBIs, and stole 55 bases.
Clase is an athletic prospect with upside, but he still has a few years in the minors before he can make an impact in the majors.
Matthew Festa (RHP, Reliever)
In this sham trade, the Bombers acquired a few prospects as well as MLB-ready relief pitcher Matthew Festa.
Last season, Festa pitched 54 innings for the Mariners, recording a 4.17 ERA, 10.67 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 75.5% left on base rate. Festa’s slider has 64% more horizontal movement than the average pitcher, giving it the sweeping motion preferred by Matt Blake in the bullpen. After a shaky 2022 season, the Yankees may be able to extrapolate on his abilities.
