The New York Yankees have put together quite a successful emergency backup plan after whiffing on superstar Juan Soto in free agency this winter. So far, the Yankees have signed Paul Goldschmidt and Max Fried. They’ve also swung blockbuster trades for reliever Devin Williams and outfielder Cody Bellinger.
With all these additions, there have to be players headed out of the Bronx as well. One player the Yankees are almost guaranteed to cut ties with is second baseman Gleyber Torres.
With Torres in free agency, he’s likely to land a contract between one to three years with an average annual value of around $10 million. But with the Yankees looking to upgrade their roster over the 2024 American League pennant-winning squad, Torres is likely headed elsewhere.
If he’s likely to leave the Bronx, where will he sign instead?
Prediction: Gleyber Torres signs with the Los Angeles Angels. Two years, $25 million.
One intriguing team in the free-agent market is the Los Angeles Angels.
Los Angeles has already shown a willingness to spend its money by acquiring starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi early in the offseason. The Angels are looking to win and they’re looking to win as soon as possible.
Adding Torres, who, at this point in his career, is a low-risk, high-reward infielder, would be a massive addition for the win-hungry Angels.
The righty has posted a 100-plus OPS+ in six of his seven big league seasons. He could be signed for less than $15 million a season. The Angels need to pounce on the opportunity while it’s there. Worst case scenario, Los Angeles can flip him at the trade deadline this season or next.
