MLB Rumors: Predicting the New York Yankees starting infield for 2021

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 16: Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees in action against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on August 16, 2020 in New York City. New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox 4-2. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Second base-Gleyber Torres

The Yankees gave Gleyber Torres a truncated season to prove he could be their everyday shortstop. Torres failed the audition. His defense at the infield’s most important position was atrocious in 2020. His inability to make the routine play cost the Yankees’ pitching staff dearly.

Torres does possess the athleticism to be an adequate defender at an easier position. That’s why a move to second or third base could really help minimize his lack of mobility. In this scenario, moving him to second is the superior option due to Urshela’s chokehold on the third base spot.

As bad as Torres can be with his glove, it’s still obvious that he can blossom into an MVP candidate due to his offensive prowess. It should be noted that he really struggled at the plate in 2020. The Yankees hope that was just a product of arguably the strangest regular season schedule in recent memory.

There have been some suggestions that the Yankees might be inclined to trade Torres this offseason. There’s zero chance he’ll be leaving the Bronx unless the team gets a genuine superstar in return. That sort of deal is unlikely to materialize. As such, Torres goes back to second base where the Yankees hope he’ll return to his 2019 form.

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