Key Takeaways:
– The New York Yankees’ payroll surpasses $305 million, marking them as having the second-largest in MLB.
– Team owner Hal Steinbrenner foresees long-term unsustainability at such high payroll levels.
– Beloved two-time All-Star, Gleyber Torres, is likely to face the chopping block amid these changes.
– The Yankees are prioritizing re-signing Juan Soto to a significant contract.
– Rising stars from the Yankees’ farm system could potentially replace Torres in the lineup.
An Unsustainable Payroll
Hal Steinbrenner, principal owner of the New York Yankees, revealed this week that maintaining the team’s hefty payroll—the second highest in Major League Baseball (MLB) at over $305 million—simply isn’t feasible. The comment came in response to questions surrounding the team’s finances at the recent owners meetings. Steinbrener pointed out the team’s large luxury tax bill as a significant contributing factor to the financial burden. The revelation has led to speculation about the roster changes the team will likely have to implement to ensure fiscal responsibility in future seasons.
A Tough Year for Gleyber Torres
A prime candidate for potential roster trimming is Gleyber Torres. The two-time All-Star second baseman, who’s facing free agency this winter, is in the midst of a contract year marked by acute performance issues. Despite kicking off his Yankees career with impressive seasons in 2018 and 2019—with nods for the Rookie of the Year Award and MVP Award votes—Torres’ current season performance has declined significantly. On a one-year, $14.2 million contract, Torres’ current statistics are a disappointing .218/.295/.303 with three homers and 52 strikeouts in 188 at-bats. Despite his previous accolades, these significant dips may mark the end of Torres’s time with the Yankees. Depending on his performance the rest of this season, other teams might still be convinced to offer him a long-term contract, although it appears to be an unlikely option from the Yankees.
Efforts to Prioritize Juan Soto
Simultaneously, the Yankees have set their sights on renewing a deal with Juan Soto. Widely anticipated to secure an agreement upward of $500 million. According to team columnist Bob Klapsich, if Steinbrenner intends to match any offers for Soto while downsizing the overall team payroll, several players—besides Torres—might be traded or let off at the end of their contracts.
A Future Without Torres
Rumors are already swirling about potential replacements for Torres. Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera, two promising infielders from the Yankees’ farm system, are considered frontrunners for the second base position. The Yankees could also examine other budget-friendly prospects in their system or arrange trades. Whichever path they choose, it’s clear that drastic changes are on the horizon for the Yankees’ roster.