Yankees Lineup Reinforced by Emergence of New Leadoff Hitter…
The Yankees spent much of the season searching for a reliable leadoff hitter, experimenting with players like Anthony Volpe and Alex Verdugo, but without success. Now, as the most crucial part of the season approaches, Gleyber Torres has emerged as the solution, fitting into the leadoff spot effectively.
Gleyber Torres Thriving as Leadoff Hitter
Early Season Struggles, Late Season Breakthrough
In June, Gleyber Torres was struggling. By June 25th, his stats were underwhelming at .215/.294/.333, leading to him being temporarily sidelined by manager Aaron Boone. Boone, who has always stood by his players, described the move as more of a mental reset than a benching, believing Torres was on the verge of turning things around. Boone’s optimism proved justified, as Torres quickly rebounded.
The “mental reset” revitalized the 27-year-old. He went 2-for-4 with a home run in his first game back, and his performance has surged since the All-Star break. Batting .284 with 29 runs and 24 RBI over 50 games, Torres has taken over the leadoff role, hitting ahead of Juan Soto.
A Surprising Choice
Torres might not seem like the typical leadoff hitter—he lacks speed and doesn’t boast a high average. However, his ability to get on base consistently makes him a strong option. Over his last 30 games, his on-base percentage is .383, ranking third on the team behind Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Torres also excels at working pitchers, averaging 4.28 pitches per plate appearance, placing him fifth in MLB for this stat in 2024.
His experience and situational awareness make him a great fit in front of elite hitters like Judge and Soto, even if he doesn’t fit the mold of a conventional leadoff batter. As the Yankees push to reclaim the AL East from the Baltimore Orioles, Torres seems well-suited for the role.
Uncertain Future
Despite Torres’ current success, his future with the Yankees is unclear. Entering the final year of his contract before free agency, there may not be room for him in the Yankees’ infield or their payroll. However, if he continues his hot streak and leads the team deep into the playoffs, the Yankees might reconsider. For now, Torres appears to be showcasing his skills, boosting his value ahead of free agency.
