Chicago Cubs: Gleyber Torres out for the season with a torn UCL

For now, the talk of what the Chicago Cubs gave up for Aroldis Chapman will have to be put on hold. Gleyber Torres will need Tommy John surgery and will be out for the remainder of the 2017 season.

I do occasionally wonder if the Chicago Cubs gave up too much for Aroldis Chapman. In the end, we did win the World Series in 2016, so how can you really complain? But as this season progressed, it seemed clear that the Cubs indeed gave up a winner in Gleyber Torres.

And on top of that? The Yankees signed Chapman–for way too much money–but I digress. Now for another year, the trade will be one in the Cubs favor, no less than a push, with the news that Torres has a torn UCL and will need Tommy John Surgery.

The 20-year old former Cub was placed on the 7-day DL on Sunday with a hyperextended left elbow. On Sunday, Torres tweeted under the impression that he was going to be okay and just needed some rest:

A tough blow for Torres

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Turns out he needs a lot of rest, which is disappointing as he was looking to be called up by September, maybe even sooner. Since being promoted to Triple-A Scranton, he’s been slashing .309/.406/.457 with four doubles, two home runs and 14 RBI. The Yankees had also moved Torres from shortstop to third base.  A move in the anticipation of taking the spot currently taken by Chase Headley.

When the Cubs made the trade, they knew very well the caliber of player they were giving up. When Torres got to the Arizona Fall League, he went ahead and reminded the Cubs–and everyone else–just how good he could be. In 18 games he batted .403 (25-for-62), with four doubles, three home runs, and 14 walks to just eight strikeouts.

Is there really a winner in this trade?

When looking at this trade in a “who won” sense, long-term it’s going to be the Yankees–if Torres stays healthy. But you can’t take away what impact Chapman had for the Cubs bullpen, regardless of your perception of him. Without him, the Cubs likely don’t win the World Series. And while he gave up the home run to Rajai Davis, he went right back out and shut the Indians down in the next inning.

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Nevertheless, it’s disappointing to see a young, talented player miss time like this. I think there are many fans like myself that keep an eye on Torres–and Starlin Castro–to see how they’re doing. I’m not much for seeing the “Evil Empire” winning again, but I do wish the best for the two former Cubs playing in the Bronx.