Gleyber Torres Should Be Option For Mets

The biggest thing we know about Gleyber Torres is he never became the player the New York Yankees thought he’d be. He was destined for superstardom only to become an enigma.

He was an All-Star his first two seasons with two 3+ win seasons. From there, well, he never made the leap. He’s just been an average to believe average regular.

He’s coming off his worst season leading the Yankees to not even offer him the qualifying offer. This makes him a perfect buy low candidate.

At 28, Torres is in the prime of his career. Looking over at Baseball Savant, the offensive skills are still there. He doesn’t swing and miss and can still barrel balls. An adjustment here and there, and he can return to the 120 wRC+ level he was at the beginning of his career.

The larger issue with him is his defense. Simply put, he’s a bad second baseman, and he always has been. He needs to move off the position. He refuses even when the Yankees obtained Jazz Chisholm at the trade deadline.

He would seem to be better suited to third. He’s better moving to his right, and he’s far better charging in than moving back.

We shouldn’t read too much into his StatCast arm strength readings. After all, most of the throws from second are flips leading to lower MPH readings. If you dig deeper, he can throw 92 MPH, a speed more than sufficient for third base.

Again, the larger issue is he’s been hesitant to move. Perhaps, this is where his relationship with Carlos Mendoza would help.

Torres sees Mendoza as a father figure who has brought out the best in him. Torres’ best two years were 2022-2023 when Mendoza was the Yankees bench coach. After Mendoza left to manage the Mets, Torres struggled.

If you really think about it, Torres could give the Mets similar production at third than what Willy Adames could. Torres should come cheaper and without qualifying offer penalties.

The Mets need a third baseman with upside. They always need players who can handle New York. Torres needs Mendoza.

Ultimately, this is a move that would benefit both sides. Torres will be better playing under Mendoza, Torres needs to move to third, and the Mets need a third base upgrade. It’s a move that makes sense and should happen.