“Petty” Yankees GM Under Fire For Selling Out Aaron Boone Over Gleyber Torres Falling Out

A new controversy is brewing in the Bronx. New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman is under fire for his management of Gleyber Torres’ positional situation. Reports highlight that he indirectly blamed Aaron Boone for not moving Gleyber Torres to third base. This has sparked backlash from fans and analysts, fueling speculation related to internal tensions. Did Cashman throw Boone under the bus, and is the criticism exaggerated?

With Torres’ role uncertain and the Yankees lacking a clear third-base solution, the situation raises bigger concerns related to the team’s infield approach. How will this affect the team moving forward? The New York Yankees’ infield situation has been a vital talking point this offseason, specifically with Gleyber Torres. Multiple professionals assumed a transformation to third base; however, Boone kept him at second. That decision has now led to controversy; in the Yankees Hot Stove interview, Brian Cashman said that the team wanted Torres to move to third after acquiring Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Boone hesitated because “Gleyber refused to move to third.” Torres, now with Detroit, reacted on social media with a simple ‘this again’ and a laughing emoji, highlighting frustration over the continuous situation. MLB insider Jon Morosi weighed in on MLB Network, stating, “They do not have a true plan for third base and that is where the uncertainty grows.”

That lack of clarity spread throughout 2023. The New York Yankees cycled through six distinctive players at third base, with Josh Donaldson struggling before his release and DJ LeMahieu posting a .243 average with a .718 OPS. In addition, Chris McMonigle of WFAN defended Boone’s decision, highlighting, “If you think they needed to have forced Gleyber to play a position he did not want to play, I think you are out of your mind.” The numbers highlight the New York Yankees’ total infield instability, not Boone’s reluctance, which is at the heart of the issue.

Torres’ future in the Bronx

Beyond the internal issue, the situation raises a larger question: Where does Torres truly fit? He has been a solid offensive player, posting a .337 OBP with 25 home runs and a 114 OPS+ in 2023. But his defense at second has been inconsistent, with -4 defensive runs saved last season. If the New York Yankees do not trust him at third and DJ LeMahieu’s future remains uncertain, is Torres even in their long-period plans?

Such uncertainty is magnified by trade speculation. With Torres ready to hit free agency after 2024, the New York Yankees need to decide whether to extend him and move on. If Cashman’s review highlights doubt in Torres’ role, it could be said that the Yankees are preparing for a future without him. That could be why the team analyzed other third-base options, like Jazz Chisholm Jr. earlier this offseason. Chris McMonigle addressed this on WFAN, stating, “They needed Gleyber Torres to perform offensively“. That performance remains undeniable; however, if the team is not totally committed, could a midseason trade become a real possibility?

The tension between Cashman and Boone highlights continuous uncertainty in the New York Yankees’ infield. If the front office does not fully back Torres, what is next for him? Is this drama just beginning? Tell us your thoughts.