Yankees seemingly have a problem at 2nd base

The Yankees Need More From Gleyber Torres

In 90 plate appearances this year, Torres has managed only a .197 batting average, a .303 on-base percentage, and a .224 slugging percentage, with no home runs, 11 runs, two RBIs, and three stolen bases. His strikeout rate has increased by 11% from last year to 25.6%, although his walk rate remains solid at 11.1%.

Torres has not shown progress in the WAR category, currently holding at 0.0.

Defensively, he has been more of a liability than a solution, which has been a concern for many years. In 177 innings, Torres has recorded a .962 fielding percentage with three errors, marking the lowest fielding percentage of his career. He has accounted for -2 defensive runs, indicating a negative trend in that category.

The Yankees’ infield has been subpar defensively as a unit, so the issues are not isolated to Torres. Anthony Rizzo has also been problematic, presenting challenges for a Yankee team that has sought to compensate with solid defensive players.

Unfortunately, DJ LeMahieu is still recovering from an injury, but his return should provide a better alternative than Oswaldo Cabrera at third base.

Clutch Opportunities Have Produced Minimal Production

Torres’ slump has also affected his performance with runners in scoring position, batting only .143 with a .235 on-base percentage. He ranks in the 9th percentile in expected batting average at .194, suggesting he is somewhat fortunate rather than unlucky. While he features a 96th percentile chase rate, his slugging metrics are down significantly, and his contact numbers are declining.

In the first few weeks of the season, he has a 32.7% hard-hit rate and a 3.6% barrel rate, which will be crucial for him to improve as the season progresses.

Despite these challenges, Torres still has ample time to improve, and the Yankees could greatly benefit from his contribution in the middle of their batting order, as they have been heavily reliant on Soto to carry the offensive load.

Fortunately, he has been instrumental in helping the Yankees secure several victories this season, including smashing a 3-run homer to the second deck on Friday, which stifled the Tampa Bay Rays and secured the team’s second consecutive win.