Gleyber Torres clear about uncertain future: 'I want to be a Yankee for life'

The Yankees have a number of players in their walk year in 2024, and that includes Gleyber Torres.

The 27-year-old has been a foundational piece in the infield since 2018 and has had some great seasons in pinstripes, but GM Brian Cashman has already said that the organization and Torres’ camp have not had talks involving a potential contract extension, and it seems like those conversations won’t happen until after the season is over.

“I don’t blame [Cashman] or the organization to not talk about an extension,” Torres told reporters Wednesday in Tampa. “I understand the business plan, and it’s a game. They may be waiting for after the season to have a very good conversation. I can only control what I can control. Try to play this year better and prove to myself and prove to the team that I can play every day and play better. We’ll see what happens after the season.”

Torres pointed out recent contract extensions that didn't pan out for the Yankees, so he understands what the infielder calls the organization's business plan. But he and his camp won’t approach the Yanks to have those conversations.

At the same time, Torres said his camp is open to discussions before Opening Day, but he wants to focus on the season.

“I don’t want to get into a conversation in the middle of the season because I want to focus,” he explained. “For now, it’s open. I feel at home right now. I know this organization since 2016, I know everyone. As a player, you never want to leave from your house.

“I’m in a good spot. I know it’s a free-agent year but I don’t think too much about that. I just think about ways I can be better, play better and help my team. We have a special group right now and I want to focus on the right things, and after the season I hope to get have a conversation. If not, let's see what happens in the future.”

Torres is coming off one of his best years. He slashed .273/.347/.453 while launching 25 homers and driving in 68 runs. He was near the top of many offensive categories for second basemen in MLB and was the team’s most consistent presence in the lineup -- he played in 158 games.

But in recent seasons, Torres has been rumored to be on the trade block at every deadline. And the influx of young infielders like Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza has seemingly put a cap on Torres’ time in the Bronx.

That’s why 2024 is an important year for Torres and the Bombers. The second baseman believes this year’s team can go all the way to the World Series.

“I don’t remember the last time the Yankees had that type of lineup. Righty, lefty, righty, lefty,” he said. “I feel like we have everything we need to do something special this year.”

And he hopes he can see that through this season and beyond in pinstripes.

“I don’t want to leave from here. I feel at home. I want to be a Yankee for life. That’s one of my goals. Let’s see what happens.”