Yankees, Luis Torrens Agree To Minor League Deal
The New York Yankees have signed catcher Luis Torrens to a minor league contract, according to MLB.com. Torrens, 27, will likely be a non-roster invitee to spring training.
Yankees Bring Back Luis Torrens
The New York Yankees have added catching depth with the signing of Luis Torrens to a minor league deal. Torrens has previously played in the majors for the Mariners, Padres, and Cubs.
In 2021, Torrens had a strong season with the Mariners, hitting 15 home runs and batting .243/.299/.431. However, his performance at the plate has been inconsistent, with a slash line of just .229/.286/.307 over the past two seasons.
The Yankees are familiar with Torrens, as they originally signed him as an amateur free agent in 2012. The Padres acquired him in the Rule 5 Draft in 2016 before trading him to the Mariners in 2020.
Torrens' Offensive and Defensive Performance
Torrens has shown flashes of being an above-average hitter, but his overall numbers are a career .227/.289/.354 in the majors. In Triple-A, he has a better slash line of .246/.311/.486.
While he has displayed good exit velocities and batted-ball profiles, Torrens has also struggled with strikeouts, walks, and ground ball rates. Defensively, he has a solid caught-stealing percentage but has received negative marks for framing pitches.
The addition of Torrens provides depth for the Yankees, who traded backup catcher Kyle Higashioka to the Padres and may need to make a decision on Ben Rortvedt. Torrens could also see playing time at first base in Triple-A.
Yankees' Strategy for Catching Position
The signing of Torrens is part of the Yankees' plan to strengthen their catching depth. With prospects like Austin Wells and veteran Jose Trevino on the 40-man roster, Ben Rortvedt, who is out of minor league options, could be moved.
Torrens joins the group of catchers in Triple-A Scranton, where he will compete for playing time alongside Rortvedt and Carlos Narvaez. Additionally, Torrens has experience playing first base.
The Yankees are prepared for various scenarios and will have multiple options at the catching position to ensure depth and flexibility throughout the season.
