Yankees Promote Gleyber Torres: Fantasy impact
By Bill Pivetz
The Yankees announced the promotion of top prospect Gleyber Torres. Is he someone you should add to your roster right away?
The New York Yankees are sitting in third place in the American League East with a 10-9 record. Not their best start. The team’s had a few good games from some of their stars but there are a couple that are struggling. Regardless of the reason, the Yankees decided to call up top prospect Gleyber Torres. Fantasy owners are chomping at the bit to add him to their team. Should you?
Torres joined the Yankees organization as a part of the Aroldis Chapman trade with the Cubs in 2016. He spent a couple of years in Single- and High-A with both teams. Once he joined the Yankees, he quickly moved through the system, playing 32 games in Double-A last year and a combined 36 games in Triple-A between last and this season.
Torres has been successful at every level he’s played in. He hit .287 with seven home runs, 34 RBIs, 31 runs scored and a .383 on-base percentage last year. Torres brought that with him to Triple-A this season. He finished with a .370 average, one homer, 11 RBIs and six runs in 46 at-bats.
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Torres isn’t known to have much power, a total of 24 minor-league home runs. Though, his career .285 average and .415 OBP can also help fantasy owners. If a player gets on base, they have a pretty good chance to score a run.
Torres isn’t afraid to run, either. He has a total of 61 steals in 102 attempts. It’s not a good percentage but I like the aggressiveness. The Yankees could use a runner on the team, they have eight total steals.
It’s also interesting to see where Torres plays in the field. He’s spent most of his time in the minors at shortstop. The Yankees have an excellent shortstop in Didi Gregorius. He has some time spent at second and third base.
The Yankees have playing rookie Miguel Andujar at third with Brandon Drury out with migraines. The Yankees have a need at second base with Neil Walker and Tyler Wade not playing up to potential.
Fantasy owners are already asking what to do with Torres, who to drop for him, how much to bid on him.
I'm glad you just ask that, I'm thinking of picking him up but I need to drop either Cozart or Kingery, drop which or neither??
— Chris Torelli (@tortowl) April 22, 2018
Arcia or Torres in 12 team 5x5 redraft?
— richard sands (@TheRichardSands) April 21, 2018
And there is one owner who is all-in on Torres.
I’m bought into the Gleyber hype
— Trevor Hooth (@HoothTrevor) April 21, 2018
However you value Torres depends on how your league values him. Does your league favor power? Do you need a boost in batting average? Are you looking for a cheap speed option?
You also need to know where Torres is hitting in the lineup. If he’s in the top half, then that bodes well for his counting stats. If not, then the limited at-bats will hurt his value some.
Owners wish they knew how long he would be with the Yankees. If he’s up for the long haul, then spend all the money you have. But, if this is just a stopgap until Drury returns and either Walker or Wade start to hit, then I wouldn’t waste the FAAB dollars.
Next: 3 Pitchers worth adding in week 4
The Yankees farm system is full of talent. Every time someone gets the call-up, all eyes are on them. The Yankees front office, fans and fantasy owners are hoping he pans out like Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez and not the way of Greg Bird or Clint Frazier.