After a catastrophic ninth inning, the New York Yankees completely collapsed for the second straight game. Reliever Clarke Schmidt was called upon to escape the first-and-third jam and ultimately induced the winning run. Oscar Gonzalez provided the winning knock for the second time this postseason.

The game itself was running smoothly for the Yanks, thanks to a two-run job by MVP candidate Aaron Judge. It was his first knock of the postseason, which knotted the game at two. Rookie sensation Oswaldo Cabrera also entered the chat with a two-run blast followed by a Bader-bomb two innings later.

Although there are a handful of individuals who have been disappointments through the first three postseason games, the offense has been relatively quiet; 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. The pitching, on the other hand, has kept it under control despite a six-run grant in last night’s contest.

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Yankees' Gerrit Cole reacts to Josh Naylor's baby-rocking homer celebration

If these players continue to struggle, there’s a big chance that they could be moved in the offseason. Performance in the playoffs is taken into consideration when teams shop for players. For instance, Trent Grisham of the San Diego Padres has a 1.329 OPS in the postseason. Ironically, his offensive numbers in the regular season qualify for replacement (.184/.284/.341).

Here are three players whose Yankee futures may change if they continue to underperform.

 

It may be time to move on from Gleyber Torres

Torres was the subject of trade talks that would oust him from New York. When Torres is hot, there’s nothing more enthralling, but a cold Torres is an eyesore. His bat came alive in September. However, his bat seemed to fluctuate for the majority of 2022. In August, the 25-year-old stooped to a season-low .464 OPS before breaking out in the final month.

Defensively, Torres committed eight errors in the regular season. However, that’s quite an improvement compared to an 18-error season the year prior.

The postseason hasn’t helped Torres’ cause to remain in pinstripes. The Venezuelan amassed just two knocks so far, although he’s making fair contact. Moreover, it won’t be earth-shattering if Brian Cashman disposes of the young second-baseman. The Yanks have multiple up-and-coming prospects who can assure perennial talent at second base. Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and Anthony Volpe are all considerable options at second.