Gleyber Torres’s Late-Season Surge Offers Hope for the Yankees
After a disappointing start to the 2024 season, New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres is quietly turning things around, potentially providing a much-needed boost for the team as they chase a division title. While the spotlight remains on Aaron Judge and his incredible offensive run, Torres has quietly become a reliable hitter in the heart of the lineup, culminating in a resurgence in August.
Key Takeaways:
- Torres’s performance has improved significantly: His August numbers show a clear uptick, with a batting average of .289 and a .382 on-base percentage.
- He’s making solid contact and driving the ball better: This has resulted in a higher number of hits and contributions to the Yankees’ offense.
- Torres’s resurgence comes at a crucial time: The Yankees are in a tight battle for the American League East division lead, and his improved performance could be the key factor in securing a first-round bye in the playoffs.
- His defensive performance remains a concern: Despite showing signs of improvement in recent games, his defensive metrics for the season are still below average.
Struggles at the Top of the Yankees’ Lineup
At the beginning of the season, the Yankees were confident that Anthony Volpe would be their primary leadoff hitter. However, after a hot start, Volpe cooled off and was eventually replaced by a rotation of bats, including Alex Verdugo and Gleyber Torres. Verdugo struggled in the leadoff spot, forcing the Yankees to rely on Torres, who was also experiencing a difficult season.
Torres’s Resurgence in a Contract Year
Torres, in a contract year, needed a strong season to secure his future, and he is gradually climbing back towards league-average metrics. Over 124 games, Torres is hitting .241/.319/.357, with 11 home runs, 49 RBIs, an 18.9% strikeout rate, a 10.2% walk rate, and a 94 wRC+.
Early in the season, Torres was considered nearly 20% worse than the average MLB hitter, but he is now only 6% worse, showing a clear improvement in his performance.
August Turnaround: Improved Performance at the Plate
August has been a month of resurgence for Torres. He is hitting .289/.382/.355, with one home run and seven RBIs. While his slugging metrics remain significantly down from past seasons, he is making better contact and driving the ball with more consistency, leading to more hits and driving in runs. His performance against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, where he collected two hits and four RBIs, including a three-run homer in the eighth inning, is a testament to his recent turnaround.
Defensive Concerns and Playoff Implications
Torres’s defensive metrics remain a concern, with a -12 defensive runs saved and -5 outs above average for the season. This is his worst defensive campaign to date, but a strong postseason performance could overshadow his regular-season struggles.
September will be a crucial month for the Yankees. Their focus is on pulling ahead in the American League East and securing a first-round bye in the playoffs. This would give them a significant advantage over competing in the Wild Card round. Torres’s recent improvement, coupled with his experience, could be the key to helping the team achieve their playoff goals.
Looking Ahead
While Torres’s resurgence has brought a wave of optimism to the Yankees, the team also recognizes the need for continued improvement from their second baseman. "I think he’s just a really good hitter that’s kind of had some struggles this year,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. "For the better part of over a month, he’s been more consistent at-bats."
Torres’s ability to maintain this newfound consistency will be critical for the Yankees’ success in the final stretch of the season and into the playoffs. If he can continue to contribute offensively and defensively, the Yankees could be a formidable force in the American League.
