Yankees spring training observations: Former starter is spotted around Steinbrenner Field

Pete Caldera, NorthJersey.com

TAMPA, Fla. – The complex at Steinbrenner Field, now in its 29th year as the Yankees spring training home, is being upgraded in stages.

Just completed last Friday, the first phase was a complete overhaul of the home clubhouse, which more closely resembles that of Yankee Stadium, with new wider lockers, navy blue carpeting, numerous flat screen TVs and a raised ceiling.

Next year’s upgrades will add a bi-level players’ dining area with outdoor access and a more expansive trainers’ facility.

New York Yankees players run on the field during a baseball spring training workout Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New York Yankees players run on the field during a baseball spring training workout Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Upgrades are planned for the visitors’ side, and they’ve already added a new batting cage area. Previously, the visiting team had to share the Yankees’ indoor batting cages before exhibition games.

During Thursday’s media session, GM Brian Cashman said the club was interested in hiring Corey Kluber in an advisory capacity.

Corey Kluber's potential new role

Sep 5, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Having recently announced his retirement from baseball, Kluber was spotted around Steinbrenner Field this week. The former two-time AL Cy Young Award winner with Cleveland is very good friends with Ohio native Nick Swisher, currently a Yankees adviser.

Cashman had yet to speak directly with Kluber, 37, about a position with the Yankees but admitted the team had been in the “infant stages’’ of mapping out a potential role with the organization.

Kluber, who resides in Tampa, made 16 starts with the 2021 Yankees and pitched a no-hitter at Texas against the Rangers.

“Corey’s an amazingly talented retired pitcher. He had a really big impact on our clubhouse while he was here,’’ Cashman said.

Gleyber Torres nearing free agency

New York Yankees' Gleyber Torres hits a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, July 23, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Yankees' Gleyber Torres hits a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, July 23, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Asked about Gleyber Torres, entering his free agent walk year, Cashman said he has not engaged in talks with his agent about a contract extension.

“He’s our second baseman for this year,’’ said Cashman.

That doesn’t mean the door is closed to potential discussions about an extension, but it’s far more likely that the Yankees allow Torres to move into free agency.

Torres, 27, will earn $14.2 million this season, and the Yankees have potential second basemen for 2025 in Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yankees spring training observations: Corey Kluber spotted at Steinbrenner Field

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