The Yankees have lost the first two games of a three-game series to the Cincinnati Reds, but they’re getting a first look at one of their key players ahead of the trade deadline in late July.
Infield Woes: Looking for Reinforcements
The Yankees have a few difficult decisions to make at the end of the month, but most importantly, they desperately need infield support. Their top starters are struggling offensively, and defensive production has been equally bad. That is why Jonathan India could be an ideal fit for the Bombers if the Reds are ready to let him go.
Jonathan India: Potential Game Changer for the Yankees
The 27-year-old still has several years under team control before he becomes a free agency in 2027. This season, he’s hitting.272/.380/.401, with five home runs and 34 RBI. While he isn’t displaying the slugging prowess he demonstrated as a rookie in 2021, blasting 21 home runs, he is improving his contact quality, which appears to be improving progressively.
India’s second baseman is a real veteran, having played 600.2 innings this season with -10 defensive runs saved and two outs above average. The difficulty with India is not his offence, but rather his defence. However, he is neither better nor worse than Torres, who has his own share of mental lapses.
Statistical Superiority: India’s Impressive Metrics.
The difference between the two is that India scores in the 95th and 100th percentiles for launch angle sweet spot and chase rate, respectively, as well as the 94th percentile for batting run value. In other words, he has excellent hitting tools, and his anticipated metrics are actually higher than some of his actual ones, implying that he’s been unlucky at times.
India is no longer known for his power hitting, but he consistently makes good contact. In addition, he hits.346/.439/.558 with runners in scoring position, with two home runs and 30 RBIs in 66 plate appearances. India is the Yankees’ primary lead-off hitter because Anthony Volpe has struggled in recent weeks and is moving downward.
Torres and roster decisions: What are the options?
The question is, what will the Yankees do with Torres? In this case, general manager Brian Cashman may choose to trade him for pitching support, allowing another team to evaluate his talent before he becomes a free agent this off-season. At this time, it is unlikely that the Yankees will sign him to a new contract, especially given his volatility throughout his career and one of his poorest seasons to date. Torres couldn’t be battling at a worse moment.
A Dual Approach: Strengthening the Second Base and Beyond.
India would provide an instant boost, but the Yankees also have needs at third base. DJ LeMahieu has struggled to get started in the last three weeks since returning from a right foot ailment. The problem is that there aren’t many choices on the trade market, so the Yankees could be better off finding a solution at second base and improving there while using Torres as bait for bullpen relief.
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