The 2021-22 offseason was difficult in many aspects for the New York Yankees, especially when it comes to team chemistry.
They removed Gleyber Torres from his shortstop position due to his defensive struggles, and replaced him with his friend, Gio Urshela, down the stretch last year.
And they also had a Gary Sanchez problem in 2021, as he was unproductive for yet another season and a problem on defense.
That’s why the Yankees front office decided to implement some changes looking forward to the 2022 campaign.
They traded both Urshela and Sanchez to the Minnesota Twins, in exchange for Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Ben Rortvedt, and Josh Donaldson.
By doing that, they separated several close friends, but it was all made with the team’s best interests in mind.
And everybody appears to have thrived after the trade.
A Heartfelt Hug And A Refreshing Encounter
On Wednesday afternoon, during batting practice prior to the Yankees – Twins game, the former Yankees got together and embraced in a long, heartfelt hug.
Torres just wouldn’t let go of Sanchez, and there is video to prove it!
Gleyber won’t let go of Gary 🥹 pic.twitter.com/GVr7UMvCNf
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) June 8, 2022
Sanchez was signed as an international free agent in 2010, and the Yankees acquired Torres via trade in 2016.
For four seasons (2018-2021), the two men shared the same clubhouse and established a friendship.
It was only natural that they hugged before last night’s game: they love and respect each other.
Additionally, it’s cool and important to note that both men have had bounce-back seasons so far: Torres already has 10 homers after hitting 12 in the last two seasons; while Sanchez has seven long balls and 27 RBI with a .435 slugging percentage, his highest mark since 2019.
It’s nice to see there is still some chemistry there.
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