Why this Yankee logged off social media

This story was excerpted from Bryan Hoch’s Yankees Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

Gleyber Torres wanted to be on his game for the 2023 season, so he logged off.

Torres said he stopped looking at social media in November, not wanting his offseason to be affected by speculation concerning a possible trade. As he unloaded his gear in a locker at Yankees camp, the infielder said he was exactly where he wanted to be.

“I know everybody here; I feel like this is my home,” Torres said. “For sure, I don’t want to leave. This year and the next year, I just want to put up really good numbers and try to stay all of my career with the Yankees.”

Torres heard his name included in trade speculation ahead of the Trade Deadline last August, when the Yankees discussed a swap with the Marlins that could have netted right-hander Pablo López (who was dealt to the Twins in the offseason). The 26-year-old Torres made it clear that he wanted to steer clear of any similar updates.

“The last time I checked social media, I saw too many things about trades, so I didn’t check anymore,” Torres said. “I know it’s a business, and I can’t control it. The only thing I can control is to prepare myself really well and get better every day.”

Torres describes his big league time with the Yankees so far as “50-50.” He was an All-Star in 2018 and ’19, when he hit .275 and averaged 31 homers. His power production dipped in ’20 and ’21, though Torres rebounded last year to hit .257/.310/.451 (114 OPS+) with 24 homers and 76 RBIs in 140 games.

“He had some ups and downs last year, but on balance, he had a really strong season for us on both sides of the ball,” manager Aaron Boone said. “We have a guy that’s got a ton of experience, that’s had a lot of success and has had some bumps in the road along the way too. But that’s still a young man, and I expect him to be a really impactful player in the middle of our lineup.”

With Anthony Rizzo and Josh Donaldson set to start at the infield corners, Boone said that he envisions Torres as his starting second baseman, with DJ LeMahieu likely bouncing between first base, second base and third base. Torres has been working on his hitting this offseason and believes he has unlocked tweaks that could restore his earlier production.

“My first couple of years were great; after that, not as good as I expected,” Torres said. “Let’s see. I’ve got two more years of [team] control. If they don’t trade me, I’ve got a great opportunity to bounce back.”