In 2019, Yankees' infielder Gleyber Torres elevated his game to superstar level.
At just 23 years old, Torres has been an All-Star selection in each of his first two major-league seasons, slashing .275/.338/.511. On a team loaded with All-Star talent, from Aaron Judge to Gary Sanchez to Giancarlo Stanton, among others, Torres proves to be perhaps the most valuable player in the Yankees' lineup, smashing 38 home runs with 90 RBI in 2020.
He was also very versatile defensively, playing primarily at shortstop while Didi Gregorius recovered from Tommy John surgery, but then moving to second base after Gregorius' return.
Torres appeared in 77 games at shortstop last season, compared to 65 games at second, but he's looking forward to moving back to his natural position with Gregorius now in Philadelphia.
"I feel great. It's like (going) back to my position," Torres said at Tuesday's Thurman Munson Awards Dinner. "All my minor league career I played short, so go back, I try to (keep things) simple and do my job."
"I just prepare my body really well. I start really early. I start in November to work out and everything, just to play a really good (shortstop). I just try to help my team, try to do my job, and try to win games."
Torres' outstanding play helped lead the Yankees to 103 wins in the regular season, good for an AL East title and a trip to the ALCS.
Now, with Gerrit Cole also in the mix, Torres is excited to get back on the field with his teammates in 2020.
"I'm really excited," Torres said. "We know Cole is one of the best pitchers in baseball. ... I can't wait to be with my teammates and play some baseball."