### Yankees Likely to Part Ways with $14 Million Former All-Star: Columnist
The New York Yankees, with the second-largest payroll in MLB at over $305 million, face financial constraints as noted by principal owner Hal Steinbrenner. He emphasized that the current payroll levels are not sustainable, especially considering the luxury tax implications.
“We can’t sustain payrolls at our current level financially,” Steinbrenner said during the owners’ meetings, as reported by the New York Post. “This wouldn’t be feasible for most ownership groups given the luxury tax burden.”
Given these financial constraints and the Yankees’ interest in signing Juan Soto to a substantial contract, several current players are likely to be offloaded. A key candidate for departure is two-time All-Star second baseman Gleyber Torres.
“Gleyber Torres, who will be eligible for free agency this winter, is more than likely not returning next season,” wrote Yankees columnist Bob Klapsich for NJ Advance Media. “He will likely be replaced by emerging talent from the Yankees’ farm system.”
### Gleyber Torres’ Struggles in a Contract Year
Torres, currently on a one-year, $14.2 million deal, faces free agency at the end of the season. Despite strong performances in 2018 and 2019 that earned him Rookie of the Year and MVP votes, his offensive struggles this season have shifted his future prospects with the Yankees.
Torres is batting .218/.295/.303 with three home runs and 52 strikeouts in 188 at-bats this season, compared to his career average of .264/.332/.444. While his skills at a premier defensive position might still secure him a significant long-term deal, it appears unlikely that the Yankees will be the ones to offer it.
“As a young player reaching free agency next winter, Torres could have positioned himself for a lucrative multiyear deal,” Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reported. “He still has a chance, but his current performance hasn’t helped his case or the Yankees’, who might reconsider his playing time if he doesn’t improve.”
### Potential Roster Changes to Manage Payroll
The Yankees’ financial decisions next season will largely revolve around their pursuit of Soto, who is expected to command a contract of at least $500 million. Steinbrenner’s intent to match offers for Soto while lowering the overall payroll suggests that several players might be on the move.
“Gleyber Torres, Alex Verdugo, and Tommy Kahnle combine for $28.65 million in 2024 payroll,” Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com noted. “All three are likely to depart as free agents.”
Infielders Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera, along with other promising talents from the Yankees’ farm system, are strong candidates to replace Torres at second base. The team might also explore less expensive options through trades or free agency.
The Yankees’ ability to re-sign Soto and adjust their payroll will be pivotal in their roster decisions moving forward.
Leave a Reply