MLB trade rumors: 5 moves the Yankees should make

May 8, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (right) reacts with right fielder Aaron Hicks (31) after hitting a home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 25, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Gleyber Torres (81) doubles during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Call up Gleyber Torres

How the Yankees handle their top prospect could be a big indicator of how aggressive they plan to be with the 2017 team. Torres is probably as ready for the big leagues as he’ll ever be, even at the age of 20 with no experience above Double-A. So far this year, he has batted .282/.364/.410 with five doubles and a perfect ledger in the field. He has continued to show exceptional instincts at shortstop.

In 2015, Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa battled for the AL Rookie of the Year with very little experience at Triple-A. Correa made his debut at the age of 20, while Lindor was barely older than 21. Both have already wowed with their poise and are on their way to becoming perennial All-Stars. Corey Seager also debuted at 21 and nearly won the NL MVP at 22 while winning the Rookie of the Year.

Torres wowed the Yankees with his maturity in Spring Training. He looks ready for the big leagues right now, but there has been no rush to call him up this early in the year. Didi Gregorious is working his way back into the lineup after missing most of April. For now, the Yankees can allow Gregorious to hold down shortstop, but the time will come later this year when it is impossible to ignore Torres in the minor leagues.

Here’s a modest proposal — summon Torres to the major leagues and install him at third base. After starting the season off hot, Chase Headley has cooled dramatically. Torres does not have much more to prove down on the farm, and if the Yankees are serious about this year, they will find out what he can do. The youth movement has been fun to watch so far this season, and Torres will only make it more entertaining.

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