TAMPA — Any player traded to the Yankees sees a bump in his public profile, simply from being connected to the pinstripes.
Shortstop Gleyber Torres, however, has become a rising star not just because of the New York spotlight, but because of his play.
Torres, 20, was named Baseball America’s top Yankees prospect — and one of the best in the game — after earning the Arizona Fall League MVP and batting title last year.
The Yankees acquired Torres, who’s in his first major league camp, as the headliner of a package of prospects when they sent closer Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs at the trade deadline in July.
On the MLB Network, Yankees vice president of baseball operations Tim Naehring gushed over Torres, who’s expected to start the season at Double-A Trenton but could be in the Bronx sooner than later.
Here’s what Naehring said:
Imagine this all-kids Yankees lineup
“I had an opportunity to see him on video. With modern technology, you’re able to put a set of eyes on them to get an idea what they look like. Obviously, analytically, we had an idea of who he was as a player. First, I saw video, and I was so impressed with the swing mechanics. He’s got outstanding balance. He’s got (an) outstanding heartbeat, both sides of the ball. I really thought the sky’s the limit as far as someone who could have plus pitch recognition, plus power, hits the ball to all (parts of the field). Then you find out he’s 19 years of age and you’re even more impressed. Then I had an opportunity to follow him into the organization. I watched him play in Tampa, through the playoffs and then into instructional league and obviously caught him in the fall league.
“The biggest thing that stands out about this young man is his ability to slow the game down. The great ones that we see, everyone says it looks easy to them. This guy has got a tremendous heartbeat. Nothing looks too fast for him. Again, I think he’s got a lot to offer. I would think he’s someone who’s going to start at least Double-A and who knows how quickly someone like this can move because he can impact the game on both sides of the ball.”
Your browser does not support iframes. Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.
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