The New York Yankees may be looking to strengthen their second base position. After seven seasons in the Bronx, including two All-Star appearances early in his career, second baseman Gleyber Torres is now a free agent and could sign elsewhere for the 2025 season and beyond.
Torres struggled at the plate last season and was inconsistent in the leadoff role. Additionally, he led all second basemen with 18 errors, becoming a key figure in the Yankees’ defensive struggles, which the team hopes to address.
If the Yankees decide to move on from Torres, they may be able to find a solid replacement via trade. Michael Brakebill of FanSided suggested a potential deal with the Tampa Bay Rays that would send one of the Yankees’ top prospects, Spencer Jones, in exchange for second baseman Brandon Lowe.
Brakebill argued that the trade would make sense as Torres is a free agent, and the Yankees could benefit from a power-hitting lefty, like Lowe, who could thrive in their stadium’s short right-field porch.
Lowe posted a .244/.311/.473 line with 21 home runs and 58 RBIs last season, comparable to Torres’ numbers, but he had a flawless defensive performance at second base in 2024 and even played 11 games at first base, filling a need for the Yankees after Anthony Rizzo’s departure. The Rays appear to be focused on reducing payroll, as seen in their trades of Tyler Glasnow, Randy Arozarena, Isaac Paredes, and Jose Siri in recent seasons.
After signing a six-year, $24 million extension in 2019, Lowe is set to earn $10.5 million in 2025 with a club option for 2026 at $11.5 million before becoming a free agent, making him a potentially more affordable option than re-signing Torres. This could prompt the Rays to trade him for future talent this winter.
Acquiring Jones, a highly regarded outfield prospect who has drawn comparisons to Aaron Judge, would represent that future talent, but it could be a costly move. Jones is the Yankees’ second-best prospect, and they reportedly declined to include him in trade talks for Dylan Cease last offseason, suggesting he may be considered “untouchable.” However, if the Yankees view Lowe as a significant upgrade, they could be willing to part with Jones in pursuit of a championship.
Brakebill concluded that the Rays, known for their strong farm system, would likely be interested in acquiring a promising player like Jones, especially with the Yankees in win-now mode after their World Series loss.
