Gleyber Torres’ Resounding Resurgence

gleyber torres' resounding resurgence

As we approach the all-star break and the halfway point of the MLB season, we can accurately assess and evaluate players, observing the changes that they have made. These changes either benefit or hinder each players individual performance. The Yankees have steamrolled into July, boasting the best record in baseball, largely on the backs of important contributions from a talented lineup led by AL MVP candidate Aaron Judge. However, the season of Gleyber Torres, a once highly touted middle infield prospect, should also not be overlooked.

Torres was called up in 2018, and immediately began producing for the Yankees. In 2019, he followed up his spectacular season with yet another very productive campaign.

Power removal

In 2020, amid the pandemic-abbreviated season, Torres showed uncharacteristic signs of struggle. Although he drew substantially more walks and became a more disciplined hitter, his promising power had essentially vanished. In 2021, he regressed even more, as his wRC+ cratered to 81 by the end of the first half. Abruptly, many were questioning if he was truly the star he was envisioned to be. In August, he took several steps forward, fundamentally changing his swing which reflected in the batted ball data. He took on a different approach, where it was acceptable to swing and miss, while maintaining better power numbers. This year, he continued this stellar offense, rediscovering his power stroke and re-establishing himself as a premier young middle infielder in the game.

Since the 2021 All-Star Break:

AVG: .276 (5th among 2B)

OBP: .330 (9th)

SLG: .472 (3rd)

ISO: .196 (9th)

wRC+: 123 (5th)

fWAR: 2.7 (12th)

Approach

Let’s further examine what has allowed Gleyber to look more like his former self at the plate. The most prominent difference is that he is hitting the ball harder than ever, setting career-highs in Barrel%, HH%, and EV. He’s also making the most of his balls put in play, with a .421 xwOBA on contact (xwOBACON). When players make hard contact and elevate the baseball, it almost always yields favorable results, and Torres is beginning to reap the benefits. His statistics this season reflect that, and suggest that Torres is unlikely to replicate his plate discipline from 2020-21, but his overall offensive approach is here to stay, due to his boom in power. Above all, second base is typically not regarded as a strong power-heavy position, which makes Gleyber Torres’ accomplishments even more remarkable and impressive. He is only going to continue improving for years to come, and fans should be excited to witness his development until he enters the prime of his career.

ROS Steamer Projections

.264/.333/.445

9 HR

122 wRC+

.339 wOBA

9.0 BB%

18.8 K%

.181 ISO

1.4 fWAR (3.4 Cumulative)