As much as we love the little guy, it’s time for the New York Yankees to let Ronald Torreyes fly once again for his own sake.
Everyone is so focused on what is going on during the season. Why don’t we look a little further ahead as to what might happen during the offseason for the New York Yankees?
The Yankees have created a bulky lineup of home run hitters and strong defenders. With names like Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, and Greg Bird, the Yankees are set for the future.
But where does that leave the other guys?
The Yankees have Didi Gregorius inked and would be silly to let him go. Starlin Castro’s offensive output has been incredibly hard to ignore. The positions are set.
Except for Ronald Torreyes. His role this season has been as a fill-in at various infield positions, covering for players who have suffered injuries.
He has exceeded all expectations for the Yankees, collectively batting .286 in 105 games, by far the most games he’s played in the major leagues. Torreyes seems to come through every time he steps up to the plate in pinstripes.
So why would the Yankees let him go? They have a more-than-reliable backup who is still only 25 years old. But is it fair to keep Torreyes, who has proven himself to be a solid backup when he could be getting more chances on another squad?
Will Torreyes ever get a shot at a starting position? The answer is likely no. If you’re looking at the Yankees right now, you’ve got third base locked up this season with the possibility for Miguel Andujar to take over. First base is covered by Bird. Shortstop and second are already taken.
And where does that leave Torreyes? Left out. He is not even a part of the picture for the Yankees in their future.
Is he cut out to be a starter? Possibly. But the Yankees will never know because they will likely never given him that opportunity.
There have been several players in the past who primarily served as backups. Does the name Enrique Wilson ring a bell? Or how about Alfonso Soriano in 2014?
These players had similar roles to Torreyes but because they were up in age. Torreyes is a spring chicken compared to them and still isn’t getting a shot at starting.
And that’s not his fault. He is doing everything he can to remain on the roster, as he has done for the last two seasons. It’s just that young stars are rising while he’s rooted in place. He’s not bad but he’s not incredible. He’s stuck as the above-average backup instead of catapulting to stardom like some of his counterparts.
I don’t believe he’ll reach the level of Judge and Sanchez. However, I do believe that he has the skills and the tenacity to be a starter. Just not with the Yankees and their loaded lineup.
And the Yankees could get a good haul from them. But they are stunting his development by making him a primary backup when they don’t have a spot for him.
I, for one, love watching the little guy play. He plays with an intensity and excitement that makes you want to root for the underdog. I just wish he had a place on the Yankees.
Do you think he would settle for a backup role for the rest of his career if it means staying with the Yankees? Or do you think he wants a real shot at getting in the lineup every single day?
The New York Yankees are underutilizing Ronald Torreyes. Maybe it’s time to let the little guy spread his wings on another team.
Torreyes is, arguably, a key contributor to this year's success. He's flexible, reliable defensively and he brings enormous energy to the clubhouse and is universally accepted and loved by his teammates. He doesn't excel at any one position, but has been solid everywhere he's been asked to play and, most importantly, has been ready to play when asked, even after long periods on the bench without getting into games. Both players and managers understand how hard that is to do well, value him and would part with him very reluctantly. Great teams have their stars, but they also have their "glue" players, like "Toe", who contribute consistently and without complaint from the bench. Other teams notice, too, so if Cashman were to make him a free agent, he'd get plenty of attention. Maybe not superstar money, but more than the Yankees are obliged to pay him now.