Speaking to the media Tuesday, Brian Cashman said that number 2 prospect Gleyber Torres will begin the season in Trenton “and we’ll see where it goes from there.”
The 19-year-old shortstop is hitting .341 with three homers and nine RBI in 14 Arizona Fall League games. He knocked in two and fell a homer short of the cycle in a 13-3 Scorpion victory Tuesday. Torres came to the Yankees on July 25 from the Cubs in return for Aroldis Chapman and, despite the short time with the team, is already making an impression. Reggie Jackson said of the young phenom:
“I love his personality and character and presentation as a person. He’s an easy-going guy, confident, respectful. You see good things that you need, just by talking to him, he shows good character. He shows respect for the game and who he’s talking to. I sure do like what I see.”
Quite the praise from Mr. October. Across 125 games with Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach and Class A Advanced Tampa during the regular season, he hit .270 and set career highs in homers (11) and RBIs (66). His maturity has also resonated with number nine prospect and teammate James Kaprielian:
“He’s smart. He’s got a lot of fuel. For a 19-year-old, you don’t always see a lot of guys as mature as he is. Obviously he’s got the given tools. He’s a five-tool player. He’s the guy I want behind me if I’m pitching. He’s the guy I want to be up when we’re tied in the ninth. He’s an all-around gamer. He’s smart, he’s mature, he’s professional.”
