After inking All-Star second baseman Neil Walker to a one-year deal, keystone hopefuls Tyler Wade and Gleyber Torres weigh in on their potential futures with the New York Yankees.
Throughout the winter and spring, the most talked about, unresolved situation regarding the New York Yankees roster has been the “holes” at second and third base left by the departures of Starlin Castro and Chase Headley. Many believed that with the strong spring campaigns of Miguel Andujar and Tyler Wade, the two positional vacancies were all but locked up.
Now, the Yankees have thrown all of us a curveball with the addition of switch-hitting second baseman Neil Walker. And as you’d justifiably assume, the boys currently vying for the vacancy at second base had their own responses to share on the signing.
Gleyber Torres, on how the Neil Walker signing could affect him:
"I don't control that. I control playing my game every day and making progress every day, staying humble and trying to help my team. I don't know what happens right now if he signs."
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 12, 2018
Torres has definitely been one of the most talked about Yankees this spring, especially since he’s not only the Yankees top prospect but one of the best in baseball. The young infielder, however, has really struggled in the exhibition season, going just 3-for-23 (.130) in 25 plate appearances heading into Monday’s game against the Twins.
That he has struggled—and the fact that he probably wouldn’t be called up until at least April 19 anyway so the team could gain another year of control—the Walker deal allows for Torres to continue his development and growth at a natural pace.
Tyler Wade on the Neil Walker signing:
"I'm glad we got him. It's a big bat, big power. Switch-hitter too, so he adds versatility and he plays all over. I'm excited we got him. … I'm not worried about it. If I continue to play my game, I'll be all right."
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 12, 2018
Wade is an altogether different story. For starters, He spent some time at the big league level a season ago, and while he didn’t really impress, he’s continued to show signs that he is ready and capable of putting his career debut in the rearview mirror.
To the point; Wade has been tremendously clutch on both sides of the ball this spring, punctuated by his going 7-for-24 (.292) in 28 Grapefruit League at-bats. And while that isn’t eye-popping by any stretch, manager Aaron Boone still sees a future for Wade in the Bronx in 2018.
Tyler Wade's versatility is a big selling point, and could have already earned him a spot on the Opening Day roster, regardless of the Neil Walker signing.
"I don't think anything changes with Tyler. He's very much in that mix," Aaron Boone said.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 12, 2018
The fact remains that Walker signed a major league deal, which means he is going to play and most likely going to start. Regardless, both Wade and Torres have an opportunity to prove their mettle to the Yankees brass over the next couple of weeks.
In related news, we would love to hear your thoughts as to what jersey number Walker will choose as he has only worn two jersey numbers—16 and 20—which the Yankees have retired in honor of Whitey Ford and Jorge Posada, respectively.
So, what do you think he’s going to go with? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below or tweet us @EliteSportsNY.
Oh Danny Boy
Something else to consider about the Walker signing is how exactly the Yankees are planning to add him to the 40-man roster and what corresponding move would transpire following the new addition. Thanks to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, we now know the answer.
Danny Espinosa released. Jake Cave designated for assignment. #Yankees
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 12, 2018
Unfortunately for Danny Espinosa, there just isn’t enough room on the big league roster for a 30-year old journeyman infielder. While with the Bombers, Espinosa batted a lousy 4-for-25 (.160) with one long ball this spring. Hopefully, the once highly-touted prospect can regain his old form and continue his career in the majors.
On behalf of all Yankees fans, Good Luck Danny Boy.
Achy Jakey
If there’s one person in the Yankees system that needs no more setbacks or problems to surface regarding his name, Jacoby Ellsbury is right at the top of the list. Not only does he have to compete with the likes of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks and Brett Gardner for playing time, but now the aging centerfielder may have to deal with the fact that his body and game might not be ready by opening day.
Jacoby Ellsbury (oblique) should play in exhibition games soon but may not be ready for Opening Day, Aaron Boone said. "We're probably getting into that range where we're butting up against it."
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 12, 2018
The levels of frustration the Oregon native must be experiencing have to feel nearly impossible to ignore or overcome. All Ellsbury can do is put his head down and work his butt off until he’s able to get back into a game. Hopefully, for the Yankees and for Ellsbury, he will be ready if and when that call is made.
