The New York Yankees are counting on 27-year-old second baseman Gleyber Torres to improve significantly after a disappointing start to the 2024 season. Despite a promising 2023 campaign in which he hit .273/.347/.453 with 25 homers and 68 RBIs, Torres has struggled offensively and defensively in the early going this year. Through April, he is batting just .186/.290/.209 with no home runs and a 58 wRC+.
Torres’ statistical outlook is also concerning. His expected batting average is just .191, placing him in the 8th percentile. His expected weighted on-base average is .275, which aligns with his current production and indicates that he is not experiencing extreme bad luck. Rather, he is simply not making solid contact. His barrel percentage is 3.2%, ranking him in the 19th percentile, and his hard-hit rate is 30.6%, in the 18th percentile. These slugging metrics have notably declined from his 2023 levels.
Defensively, Torres has also been less than stellar. In over 204 innings, he has a .965 fielding percentage and has recorded -2 defensive runs saved. This aspect of his game adds another layer of concern for the Yankees as they evaluate his future with the team.
With Torres entering a contract year, his struggles have raised questions about his future in the Bronx. The Yankees have a decision to make on whether to extend his contract or allow him to explore free agency after the season. Torres remains optimistic, but time is running out for him to prove his worth as a key contributor to the Yankees’ success.
