EXPERTS SAY
In 19-year-old Torres,
HOUSTON — If Aroldis Chapman helps lead the Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908, Chicago won’t care what it paid for the flame-throwing closer.
But according to those who have seen the centerpiece the Yankees received in the trade, the Bombers won’t regret pulling the trigger on the deal when all is said and done.
Gleyber Torres, the 19-year-old shortstop considered within the industry to be the Cubs’ top prospect, is “the real deal” according to the source, who has seen Torres play a lot this season with Class A Myrtle Beach.
“He’s legit from what I’ve seen,” the source said. “He goes the other way with power naturally; it’s the right-center field gap all the time.”
The Yankees received Torres, former Yankees righty Adam Warren and minor-league outfielders Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford from the Cubs for Chapman, the flamethrowing closer set to hit free agency at the end of the season.
The Yankees approached Chapman about an extension last month, but were informed that he wanted to test the free-agent market. Chapman said he would be open to returning to New York after the season.
“God willing, yeah,” Chapman said through a translator.
General manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees considered Torres to be the top international player available in 2013, but the Cubs won the bidding for him.
Torres was ranked No. 27 on Baseball America’s Midseason Top 100 prospects list earlier this month, the highest of any player in the Cubs’ system. He’s hitting .275/.359/.433 with nine home runs, 47 RBI and 19 stolen bases at Class A Myrtle Beach this season.
“He’s a high-level prospect that’s extremely valuable within the industry,” Cashman said.
Torres hit only five home runs during his first two minor-league seasons, but after putting on muscle during this past winter, his power is beginning to blossom.
A coach who faced Torres last season also liked the deal for the Yankees.
“He’s polished for such a young kid,” the coach said. “He makes the defensive plays and handles the bat as well as I have seen for such a young player. He didn’t have much power last year, but as he grows and gets stronger he’ll definitely have a chance to develop it.”
Some questioned whether the weight gain would impact him at shortstop, the source said, but his defense has been superb all season.
“I think he’s undersold as a defender,” the source said. “His range is off the charts and he has a big-time arm. He’s known as a good defender, not a great one. He put on muscle last winter, which is why he’s tripled his home run total, but I think his glove may be better than his bat right now.”