The mutual admiration of Gleyber Torres and José Altuve
By César Augusto Márquez
José Altuve represents the present of Venezuelans in the big leagues, and he might actually be one of the faces of baseball.
Gleyber Torres represents the future as one of the rookies who has had one of the strongest debuts in the majors this year while showcasing the potential to be a major figure for years to come.
Altuve and Torres also share a mutual appreciation for each other.
“I think that Gleyber is a player that has the calling to be a star in the majors,” Altuve said. “He was at his first All-Star Game in a career that I think will have a lot more (All-Star berths). In the future we will see a lot of him.
“What he has done this year is very impressive for a player who is in his first year in the majors.”
Torres and Miguel Andújar have been a pair of Yankees rookies who have played key roles as the Bronx Bombers head to the postseason for the second consecutive season.
While discussing Altuve, Torres has nothing but admiration. After all, Altuve was only in his second season in the majors the year that Torres signed his first professional contract.
“He’s a ballplayer who is an example for all of us,” Torres said of Altuve. “Everything that he’s done in such a short time is important. Last year was the consolidation (of his talents) as a player to win the Most Valuable Player award and the World Series.
“To be picked for the All-Star Game in my first year in my career and to have met with star figures like him means a lot to me.”
Despite being only 28 years old he is one of the most experienced figures among the Venezuelans playing in the majors this year.
“I think what Gleyber and Ronald Acuña have done this year is part of what you’ll see in the future (from Venezuelans),” Altuve said. “It’s enough to see the kids who signed on July 2 to know that there’s plenty of talent.”
The 2017 American League MVP’s opinion is shared by Torres.
“I think that all of us young players are working hard to make a place for ourselves in baseball,” Torres said. “Each time it’s quicker, and it makes people notice the new generations.”
Altuve and Torres had different starts in professional baseball.
Altuve had to chase the opportunity before he was finally given a professional contract by the Astros. Torres was a well-known figure in the baseball world as a teenager long before he signed. By the time he turned 16 he was already one of the top prospects in baseball.
The signing bonus Torres received from the Chicago Cubs was the largest given to a Venezuelan teenager in 2013.
Despite their different paths to signing bonuses, they both reached the majors by the time they were 21. Naturally, Torres would love to have a similar career to Altuve’s.
“Sure I’m going to keep working hard because I want to have a career like his,” Torres said of Altuve. “It’s no secret to anybody that he’s one of the best players in baseball.”
Altuve has no doubt about the Yankees’ rookie All-Star’s potential.
“I think that Gleyber has demonstrated the talent and capacity to be a name in the baseball world,” Altuve said.
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