Infielder Gleyber Torres has officially signed with the Detroit Tigers, marking the end of his stint with the New York Yankees. The contract, confirmed on Friday, December 1, 2024, is worth $15 million for one year.
Torres, who has just turned 28, spent the last seven seasons with the Yankees after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs as part of the Aroldis Chapman trade back in 2016. He showed tremendous promise early on, earning All-Star selections and hitting 38 home runs during his breakout season in 2019. His powerful hitting quickly made him one of the team's key players, but inconsistency plagued his later years.
The move to sign Torres follows what can be classified as a challenging walk year, wherein his performance dipped significantly. Last season, he recorded just 15 home runs alongside 26 doubles and finished with marginal offensive numbers, batting .257 with a .378 slugging percentage. This decline came as Torres grappled with maintaining his prior successes, leading to questions about his long-term viability as the Yankees' starting second baseman.
Specifically, his struggles with baserunning and defensive play raised eyebrows. Torres encountered frustrations with manager Aaron Boone, who benched him after Torres made his league-leading 12th fielding error during the 2024 season. The Yankees opted against extending him the qualifying offer of $21 million, enabling him to explore free agency.
According to reports, the Tigers' decision to sign Torres was driven by their need for more right-handed hitters to balance their young, predominantly left-handed lineup. The team aimed to fine-tune its batting order, and adding Torres could provide them with valuable offense, especially against left-handed pitchers, where he has excelled historically.
With the signing underway, it remains to be seen how Torres will fit within the Tigers' dugout. It is expected he will reclaim the second-base position, though the player who occupied it last season, Colt Keith, is also part of the roster mix and may shift positions as he continues to develop his defensive versatility.
Statistically, Torres has established himself as a capable middle infielder throughout his career, amassing significant offensive numbers and decent defensive metrics. Despite recent concerns, his overall career OPS stands at .774, underscoring his potential to return to form.
The signing could provide Torres with the opportunity to showcase his abilities once more, potentially leading to more substantial contracts down the line. Having endured criticism during his final years with New York, Torres may find the Detroit baseball scene to be more accommodating for his growth.
The Detroit Tigers view Torres as more than just another player. They hope he will anchor their middle-infield depth and guide their younger players as they aspire to contend. Reconceptualizing their positional strategy offers flexibility and the chance to ride the upcoming season with tested talent.
The contract also includes a one-time assignment bonus of $500,000, marking the Tigers’ commitment to making the most of their offseason moves.
While Torres has left behind the Bronx and embraced his role with the Tigers, the Yankees will need to reevaluate their lineup heading forward. Several names have emerged as potential replacements, but it is unclear whether they will find someone to fill the void left by Torres's multifaceted contributions.
Looking at the immediate future, Gleyber Torres seems poised for this new chapter with the Tigers. With expectations of competing for the playoffs again, the hope is he will regain the form reminiscent of his earlier years, bursting with potential and power.
Despite fluctuated performances, Torres's name remains associated with high-stakes games, as he has accumulated 198 plate appearances during past playoff appearances, including five matches during the most recent World Series run for the Yankees. Yet, he will change uniforms and attempt to carve out his legacy anew.
Gleyber Torres's signing with the Detroit Tigers signals both change and opportunity—change for the Tigers as they reshape their strategic vision, and opportunity for Torres to advance his career and pursue the elusive championship title he seeks.
