Two-Time All-Star Infielder Agrees to Deal with the Tigers
After completing his final year of arbitration with the New York Yankees in 2024, two-time all-star second baseman Gleyber Torres entered free agency as a top target for several contending teams. Since joining MLB in 2018, the 29-year-old has emerged as a highly talented hitter, demonstrating the ability to lead his team to success throughout the season. After a strong finish to the 2024 regular season, following early struggles, Torres was expected to command a high-value contract on the free-agent market. According to MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman, the Detroit Tigers and Torres have agreed to a one-year deal worth $15 million.
After signing as an international free agent with the Chicago Cubs in 2013 and being traded to the Yankees three years later, Torres entered the majors as a highly anticipated offensive talent expected to impact the Yankees’ success. In his first two professional seasons, Torres did just that, taking the league by storm in 2018 and 2019, earning all-star selections in both years. His 2018 season was highlighted by 24 home runs, followed by a career-high 38 in 2019. Entering his eighth MLB season, Torres has consistently performed offensively, boasting a career .265 batting average, 138 home runs, 441 RBIs, 333 walks, and a .774 OPS. He has also proven himself in the postseason, batting .324 in the 2019 playoffs and an impressive .435 in 2020.
Following a slow start to his 2024 season, during which he had a batting average below .250 through the first four months, Torres rebounded strongly in the second half after the All-Star Break, finishing September with a .333 batting average, three home runs and 13 RBIs. One area of concern for teams considering signing Torres this offseason was his defensive inconsistency. Over the past two seasons, Torres ranked in the top 10 in errors committed, with 15 in 2023 and 18 last season. The Tigers will be relying on Torres to improve his infield play to help prevent hitters from reaching base. If he can clean up those mistakes, the power hitter could make an immediate impact on the Tigers’ success in 2025.
