A new report claims that legendary rivals the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees could soon restart rare trade talks that actually would include a two-time All-Star.
Over the last thirty years, MLB fans have gotten used to either the New Yankees or the Boston Red Sox ending the season atop the American League East standings. And it’s understandable why, because since 1996 the two franchises have combined for nine World Series titles. However, 2023 was a far cry from the days of old for the two organizations.
Despite some high hopes, especially for the Yankees, the two AL powerhouses actually finished at the bottom of their division this season. It is a rare site for either team to finish last in the AL East, but for both to be at the bottom looking up at the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays surely has to eat at the decision-makers in New York and Boston.
With the Orioles, Rays, and Jays expected to be competitive for the foreseeable future, the Pinstripes and Sox need to get better ASAP. While it is unclear if the two northeast teams will be big spenders in MLB free agency, they will surely be looking for ways to improve for 2024, and oddly enough it seems they believe they can help each other toward that pursuit.
Boston Red Sox high on New York Yankees star Gleyber Torres
On Friday, WEEI Red Sox reporter Rob Bradford revealed that the two clubs reportedly had trade talks last year, and could soon rekindle those conversations that include a two-time All-Star from the Bronx.
“According to major league sources, the Red Sox identified Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres as a trade target last season — with [Alex] Verdugo being of interest to New York. It appears the teams might very well be looping back on that conversation this offseason. Torres is viewed by some in the Red Sox organization as an excellent fit, offering the kind of stability at second base the team didn’t possess in 2023.”
Related: New York Yankees reportedly have already had early talks about blockbuster trade for 3-time All-Star
On an offensive level, Torres is one of the best second-baseman in the league. He had a slash line of .273/.347/.453 with 25 home runs, 68 RBIs, and 90 runs. However, his defense has been a constant weakness for the slugger.
For the Yankees, the gold glove-level defense of Verdugo is something their brass have always coveted, and the fact that he is a solid hitter with upside at only 27 certainly must appeal to them.