Gleyber Torres sets 'Yankee for life' goal before free agency - ESPN

TAMPA, Fla. — Starting what could be his final season with the New York Yankees, Gleyber Torres was clear about his intent.

«I don't want to leave,» the 27-year-old infielder said Wednesday. «I want to be a Yankee for life.»

Torres was an All-Star in his first two seasons with the Yankees in 2018 and 2019, slumped badly for two years and has rebounded to become a productive if not spectacular player. He hit .273 with 25 home runs, 68 RBIs and 13 stolen bases last season with an .800 OPS.

Torres has a one-year, $14.2 million contract and is eligible for free agency after the World Series. There have not been any discussions about a long-term deal, and he understands why the team might be reluctant following two notable players who underperformed: Luis Severino and Aaron Hicks.

Severino reached a deal in February 2019 that paid him $52.25 million for five seasons then made just 40 starts and five relief appearances while going 13-12 with a 4.47 ERA. Hicks agreed that same month to a seven-year, $70 million contract for 2019 to 2025 then had repeated injuries and hit .218 with 31 home runs and 145 RBIs in 303 games before he was released in May.

«We know what's happened in the past, and I don't blame them. That's the business,» Torres said. «So if I [have] a really good year and put [up] really good numbers, I think we can get a conversation, for sure.»

Torres doesn't dwell on the uncertainty, busy with on-field work during the day and spending time with son Ethan, who turns 2 next month.

«I can't lie,» Torres said. «I just think sometimes maybe that I'm starting my last year here because I don't know what's the business plan next year. But, man, it's just like motivate myself. Like I always say, we play for another team