


BALTIMORE — Gleyber Torres is handling this trade deadline differently.
The Yankees’ second baseman has persistently been rumored in trades, speculation that spiked last year as reports emerged about possible Marlins interest.
As the baseball world learned about potential swaps involving Torres and then-Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez, Torres learned, too.
“Last year, there were many rumors,” Torres said Sunday before finishing a series at Camden Yards. “At some point, I started checking [Twitter] more and more.”
It didn’t help, and the infielder batted .173 in the 12 games leading up to last year’s deadline.
No trade was completed, and Torres continued a largely successful career in The Bronx — this time with less social media in his life.
Torres is still active on Instagram, where he has sponsorships to consider, but he said he no longer scrolls through Twitter, where trade chatter is constant.
“Those things don’t help me play,” said Torres, who entered play with a season-best .786 OPS this July and was the Yankees’ No. 2 hitter Sunday night, going 1-for-5 with a double.
The 26-year-old has been the club’s most consistent bat in another solid if not spectacular season, but his importance to the club has not killed trade speculation.
He continues to be linked with the Marlins, who have pitching that can tempt the Yankees, and Oswald Peraza lurks as a possible second base replacement.
During spring training, team owner Hal Steinbrenner said he believes Peraza and Anthony Volpe can be the middle infield of the Yankees’ future, which would exclude Torres from the picture.
Torres has tried to avoid thinking about the possibilities and is viewing external interest as a compliment.
“When people ask for you it’s because you [are playing] better and someone needs you,” said Torres, who is in his sixth year with the Yankees.

Torres reiterated he hopes to remain in pinstripes, and not just through the trade deadline.
He will be entering his final season of arbitration this offseason and can be a free agent after the 2024 campaign.
Torres said the Yankees still have not approached him about an extension.: “I wish,” he added.
He has tried to stay ignorant of the swirling trade rumors, but he understands that anything can happen by decision day Tuesday.
“I’m good here,” he said. “But whatever happens, happens.”