It appears the Yankees are ready to move on from two of their starting infielders.
As things stand, New York has no plans to pursue this either Anthony Rizzo or Gleyber Torres in free agency this offseason, YES Network’s Jack Curry said on Monday night’s edition of Yankee Hot Stove.
Both players expressed interest in returning at the end of the season, but it appears the club has other plans.
For the most part, Rizzo served as a solid leader and steady left-handed bat during his three years in the Big Apple, but his offensive production eventually declined as he battled the injury bug each of the past two seasons.
The Yankees could turn things over to the youngster Ben Rice at first base, or they could make a big play on someone like a former Mets slugger Pete Alonso or three-time Gold Glover Christian Walker on the free agent market as his replacement.
Torres also enjoyed his big moments in pinstripes, but his streaky bat, questionable baserunning and shaky infield defense have left a lot to be desired at times over the years.
If things don’t change, Curry said he would be willing to bet on that 24-year-old top prospect Caleb Durbin will be part of the Yankees’ Opening Day roster, and there’s a chance he ends up in the mix as Torres’ replacement.
Durbin was recently added to the 40-Man roster and he shined in Arizona Fall League action with two doubles, a triple, five home runs and 29 stolen bases in 21 games.
