Gleyber Torres and Carlos Mendoza have a shared history that spans nearly a decade, even though they now find themselves on opposing sides of New York baseball. Torres is currently with the Yankees, while Mendoza has taken on the role of manager for the Mets.
Despite their new rivalry, Torres is enthusiastic about Mendoza’s success and sees the potential for a thrilling Subway Series matchup in the World Series, provided both teams advance through the league championship series. This scenario excites Torres, who believes such a matchup would be significant for their personal journeys and the New York baseball community.
Their relationship began in 2016 when Torres was traded to the Yankees from the Cubs as part of a deal that sent Aroldis Chapman to Chicago. At that time, Torres was one of baseball’s top prospects, and Mendoza, a roving defensive instructor, was among the first individuals to welcome him into the Yankees organization. This mentorship proved to be invaluable, as Mendoza helped guide Torres through his early career, fostering a connection that has endured even after Mendoza’s departure from the Yankees.
Torres speaks highly of Mendoza’s ability to handle the pressures of the game, both in times of success and failure. He appreciates Mendoza’s positivity and constructive feedback, noting how Mendoza knew when to push him to improve. One of Mendoza’s key messages resonated deeply with Torres: “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” This sentiment has proven relevant for both, as they experienced slow starts to their seasons but ultimately found success, culminating in playoff appearances.
As Torres heads into the postseason, he is experiencing a resurgence in performance after a shaky start to the year. His solid play in September, which included an OPS of .876 over his last 24 games, set the stage for a strong playoff performance. Although he faced challenges against the Royals, he still contributed significantly, hitting a home run, a double, and scoring four runs in the series. This improvement is crucial for Torres as he approaches free agency, marking a turning point in his season.
On the other hand, Mendoza has also been making headlines with the Mets, leading them to a wild-card spot and securing playoff series victories against strong teams like Milwaukee and Philadelphia. Torres expresses his joy for Mendoza’s accomplishments, emphasizing how much Mendoza has supported him throughout his career and that he truly deserves this opportunity. With confidence in Mendoza’s managerial skills, Torres hopes to see his former coach continue to succeed in his new role.
