New York Yankees slugger Gleyber Torres set to accomplish his goal of playing for his hometown team
New York Yankees slugger and infielder Gleyber Torres can check one box out of his career bucket list.
The 25-year-old recently put up a celebratory post on Instagram after being included in the squad for his hometown club in Venezuela. In the post, he was clad in former New York Yankees player Bobby Abreu's Venezuelan League jersey.
“Today one of many dreams are being accomplished” 🥹
Gleyber is so excited to play for his hometown’s professional team https://t.co/6mQzpsKFl6
"“Today one of many dreams are being accomplished,” his caption read (translated).
The New York Yankees have given Torres permission to play winter league ball for his hometown team, Leones del Caracas, in the nation's capital. Torres will be joined by fellow infielder and Seattle Mariners player Eugenio Suarez, who also hails from Venezuela.
Gleyber Torres recibió permiso para jugar con @leones_cbbc
ow.ly/u7sP50LObOz
#LaPasiónDeTodos | #LVBP https://t.co/yYGt03A92O
"Gleyber Torres received permission to play for @leones_ccbc" - @LVBP_Oficial
The outfit isn't too different from Torres' major league club. Leones del Caracas is the most successful club in Venezuelan Professional Baseball League history, with 20 titles, 17 runners-up finishes, and 34 finals played.
The team also has two Caribbean Series championships, which is the most prestigious competition among Latin American countries.
Gleyber Torres piqued Seattle Mariners' interest
The Seattle Mariners have rehashed their outfield this offseason and are still in the market for potential outfielders. It has now been rumored that the Mariners could be looking to add New York Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres to their squad.
The #Mariners have checked in on Trea Turner, Kolton Wong, Gleyber Torres and all the other free agent middle infielders. Jerry Dipoto President made it clear that their ownership will provide the resources to sign one of the big free agent middle infielders if it makes sense.
"The #Mariners have checked in on Trea Turner, Kolton Wong, Gleyber Torres and all the other free agent middle infielders. Jerry Dipoto President made it clear that their ownership will provide the resources to sign one of the big free agent middle infielders if it makes sense."
Per MLB analyst Jim Bowden, Seattle has contacted Torres, Trea Turner, and Kolten Wong about their possible terms and contracts. The move makes perfect sense for the Mariners. They have an abundance of outfielders but don't have reliable middle infielders except for J.P. Crawford and Eugenio Suarez.
With Torres and Suarez playing in the Venezuelan League this winter, it will further fan the flames of speculation regarding the 25-year-old Bronx Bomber's future with the club.