The New York Yankees might be seeking for an improvement at the keystone. After seven seasons in the Bronx, including two All-Star appearances in his early career, second baseman Gleyber Torres has entered free agency and might go elsewhere for 2025 and beyond. Torres found himself in and out of the leadoff role this season due to some troubles at the plate, and he led all second basemen with 18 errors, becoming the focal point of defensive issues that the Yankees want to address moving ahead. If the Yankees decide to deal Torres, they may be able to locate a strong replacement.
Michael Brakebill of FanSided proposed a significant trade in which the Yankees would acquire a new second infielder from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for one of their most promising prospects, Spencer Jones, in a one-for-one swap.
“The New York Yankees should entice the Tampa Bay Rays to shed payroll further, as we saw last season, and pry slugging second baseman Brandon Lowe away,” Brakebill suggested. “The fit is obvious: Gleyber Torres is a free agent, and the Yanks could use another power lefty that could benefit from the short porch in right field.” Lowe hit.244/.311/.473 this season, with 21 home runs and 58 RBI, which are fairly comparable offensive stats to Torres’. But Lowe was error-free in 58 games at second base in 2024, and he also started 11 games at first base, which might cover a void for the Yankees following Anthony Rizzo’s departure.
The Rays appear to be interested in rebuilding around a reduced payroll, as evidenced by their moves to trade Tyler Glasnow, Randy Arozarena, Isaac Parades, and Jose Siri since last offseason. After signing a six-year, $24 million agreement with the Rays in 2019, Lowe is owing $10.5 million in 2025, with a $11.5 million club option for 2026 before becoming a free agent.
That would likely make Lowe a more cost-effective choice for the Yankees than reuniting with Torres, and it could push the Rays to trade him for future talent this winter. Landing Jones would undoubtedly represent that future talent, but the price could be prohibitively expensive. Jones is the team’s second-best prospect, a massive outfielder who has drawn similarities to Aaron Judge.
The Yankees reportedly declined to include Jones in trade offers for starter Dylan Cease last winter, and he may still be considered “untouchable” by the team. However, if the Yankees believe Lowe is a significant upgrade to their infield, they may be ready to trade Jones in pursuit of a World Series win. “The Rays are all about having an advanced farm system that can churn out prospects, and they could land a good one from the Yankees, who are in all-in mode after losing the World Series this season,” Brakebill told reporters.
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