Fansided

5 Yankees with the most to prove in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Gary Sanchez #24 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning in Game Two of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 06, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Gary Sanchez #24 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning in Game Two of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 06, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Gleyber Torres, New York Yankees
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a two run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game Four of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 08, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

2. Gleyber Torres

Torres broke out as a fringe-MVP candidate in 2019 before performing like a replacement-level (complete with a  WAR of 0) player in 2020. The Yankees hope his struggles were largely a product of him coming into the strange season out of shape. The early reports are he’ll enter this edition of Spring Training in much better physical condition.

It’s still unclear where Torres will play in the field this year. His move from second base to shortstop a season ago didn’t go well at all. He was arguably the worst defensive shortstop in MLB. Again, the Yankees hope they can attribute a healthy portion of those errors to his lack of fitness.

It’s possible he’ll go back to second base if D.J. LeMahieu leaves the team in free agency. His lack of mobility and throwing accuracy are less problematic a little closer to first base.

Defensive issues aside, the Yankees really need Torres bat to wake up in 2021. He has a legitimate chance to be the team’s best overall hitter if he can build on his 2019 season. Combine that with something approaching average defense and Torres will once again be one of this team’s brightest stars.

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