VIDEO: Gleyber Torres Being Unable to Play Shortstop This Spring is a Big Problem for the Yankees
By Brendan Balsamo
When the New York Yankees refused to pay Didi Gregorius this offseason, fans weren't too concerned about the loss of his stellar defense. They would be able to move former top prospect Gleyber Torres and his elite bat and below average glove from second base to take over. Everyone knew there would be a defensive compromise at the position formerly manned by Didi, but no one expected the 23-year-old's woes to be this apparent so early on in the spring.
Well, there is another error committed by Gleyber Torres this spring pic.twitter.com/QreHyjgoaF
— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken) March 10, 2020
In only 10 games down in Tampa, Florida, Torres has already committed five fielding errors, one less than Gregorius committed in 132 games in 2018.
In 142 games in 2019 at shortstop and second base, Torres was responsible for 20 errors.
Gleyber Torres' rough spring at shortstop continues. Sailed a throw for his 5th error of spring in 10 games.
— Pete Caldera (@pcaldera) March 10, 2020
Saved an error in the first inning (costing Cole an earned run) on a groundball to his left that went off his glove, scored a hit.
While Torres is not known for his defensive prowess, he'll need to make significant improvements if he wants to make the shortstop position his own. The performance he's put on in the spring has been subpar, and the Yankees can't afford a liability at such a vital position.