Despite holding first place in the American League East, the New York Yankees face a glaring weakness at second base, and their decision to part ways with Gleyber Torres during the offseason is looking increasingly like a costly mistake.
A Gaping Hole at Second Base
Currently, the Yankees rely on DJ LeMahieu and Oswald Peraza to share duties at second base, with prospect Jorbit Vivas biding his time at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. While both LeMahieu and Peraza are reliable defenders, their offensive production has been lackluster. LeMahieu has shown a slight uptick in power, matching last season’s two home runs in just 20 games this year, but it’s not enough to mask the position’s overall struggles. Peraza, meanwhile, has failed to make a meaningful impact at the plate, and Vivas has yet to prove he’s ready for the big leagues.
The Yankees’ depth took another hit with Oswaldo Cabrera sidelined by a fractured ankle, forcing Jazz Chisholm to shift back to third base despite second being his natural position. This patchwork approach has left the Yankees scrambling for answers at a critical spot in their lineup.
Gleyber Torres: The One That Got Away
Gleyber Torres, a former Yankees All-Star who smashed a career-high 38 home runs in 2019 at age 22, spent seven seasons in pinstripes before signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers. Despite occasional criticism from fans and media for perceived lapses in hustle, Torres was a consistent offensive contributor during his tenure in New York. In 2024, he posted a 1.8 WAR over 154 games, helping the Yankees reach the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Now with the Tigers, Torres is thriving. Through his first 54 games in Detroit, he’s posted a .269/.381/.394 slash line, five home runs, 30 RBIs, and a 122 OPS+. His 1.5 WAR already nearly matches last season’s total, and his 1.1 fWAR ranks among the top for American League second basemen. Sports Illustrated’s Jack Markowski argues that letting Torres walk was a misstep, especially given the lackluster performances of Vivas and Peraza. “Torres has played an instrumental role in [the Tigers’] success,” Markowski wrote, noting Detroit’s league-leading 43-24 record as of June 9, 2025.
Could the Yankees Have Kept Torres?
Torres’ one-year contract with the Tigers makes him an impending free agent, but the Yankees showed little interest in re-signing him for 2025, making a midseason trade reunion unlikely. Markowski points out that with LeMahieu struggling and Chisholm needed at third, the Yankees’ need for a quality second baseman has become “increasingly clear.” Torres, with his proven track record and current form, could have been the perfect fit to bolster an already potent Yankees offense.
Looking Ahead: Options for Second Base
With Torres out of reach, the Yankees may need to explore the trade market to address their second-base woes. One potential target is Pittsburgh Pirates’ Adam Frazier, a versatile veteran who can play second base or the outfield. While Frazier’s power numbers are modest compared to LeMahieu’s, his flexibility could provide a stopgap solution. Another intriguing option is Jon Berti, a former Yankee who was non-tendered by the team in November 2024 and now plays for the Chicago Cubs. A reunion with Berti could be feasible, depending on the Yankees’ willingness to negotiate and the Cubs’ postseason outlook.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Yankees must weigh their options carefully. Teams out of playoff contention may be willing to deal veterans like Frazier for prospects, offering New York a chance to strengthen their roster for a deep postseason run. However, the decision to let Torres walk may haunt the Yankees, as his offensive production and familiarity with the team could have stabilized second base and elevated their lineup to new heights.
In a season where the Yankees are already atop the AL East, addressing their second-base deficiency is critical to maintaining their edge. Letting a proven talent like Torres slip away may prove to be one of the franchise’s biggest missteps this year.