The New York Yankees just dealt infielder Ronald Torreyes to the Chicago Cubs. That means somebody needs to step up and replace his dugout shenanigans.
After designating Ronald Torreyes for assignment on Tuesday, the New York Yankees traded him to the Cubs on Wednesday. Per Chicago Times-Sun reporter Madeline Kenney, New York received either a player to be named later or cash.
The Yankees moved Torreyes off the 40-man roster to clear a spot for righty starter Parker Bridwell, whom they claimed off waivers from the Angels.
Torreyes was a fan favorite in the Bronx, thanks to his pesky plate presence and dugout antics.
The 26-year-old utility infielder teamed up with Didi Gregorius to create the Toe-Night Show. With Torreyes playing cameraman, the pair would comically pretend to interview Yankees returning to the dugout after hitting a homer.
His small stature (5 feet, 8 inches) was also a perfect contrast to giant Aaron Judge. TV cameras often caught Gregorius lifting Torreyes up to deliver high-fives after Judge home runs.
The Yankees have traded Ronald Torreyes to the Cubs, which means no more Judge–Toe handshakes pic.twitter.com/Hjq8HYdvaP
— SNY (@SNYtv) November 28, 2018
Torreyes produced on the field as well. He’s a solid .281 career hitter, and he provided depth by backing up multiple infield positions.
There are currently three utility options left on the 40-man roster: Tyler Wade, Hanser Alberto, and Thairo Estrada.
The Yankees still think highly of Wade, but he’s slashed just .161/.218/.250 in 124 MLB at-bats.
Hanser Alberto, acquired off waivers from the Texas Rangers, isn’t much of a hitter either. He owns a career .192 average in 182 at-bats.
Estrada is the least likely of the three to stay on the roster, but he probably has the most upside. The 22-year-old is one of the Yankees’ top-20 prospects.
The Bombers have no regular season games scheduled against the Cubs in 2019. However, fans can root for a Chicago-Yankees World Series to see Torreyes in the Bronx again.
