In a significant offseason move, the Detroit Tigers have finalized a one-year, $15 million contract with star middle infielder Gleyber Torres, according to sources familiar with the agreement. The 28-year-old Torres, who spent the first seven seasons of his MLB career with the New York Yankees, brings a potent bat and versatile defense to a Tigers team looking to make strides in the competitive American League Central division.
A Proven Commodity
Torres, a two-time All-Star, has been a consistent performer since breaking into the big leagues in 2018. Over his seven-year tenure with the Yankees, he compiled a solid .774 OPS while showcasing his power potential, twice surpassing the 30-home run mark in a season. His offensive prowess, coupled with his ability to capably handle both shortstop and second base, make him a valuable addition to the Tigers’ lineup.
Gleyber is a proven commodity in this league. He’s a difference-maker both at the plate and in the field, and we’re thrilled to add a player of his caliber to our club.
– Tigers GM Scott Harris
Bouncing Back
While Torres experienced a slight dip in his power numbers last season, hitting 15 home runs after back-to-back campaigns with over 25 long balls, he still produced in key moments. His .364 batting average in the 2024 ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians helped propel the Yankees to the World Series, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stages.
The Tigers are betting that a change of scenery and a featured role in their lineup will help Torres return to his slugging ways. Still in the prime of his career at age 28, the infielder has plenty of productive seasons ahead of him as he looks to make his mark in the Motor City.
Ripple Effects
The addition of Torres could signal a position change for Tigers’ young infielder Colt Keith. The 24-year-old Keith manned second base for Detroit in 2024, but with Torres now in the fold, the organization may look to shift him to third base or a utility role to keep his bat in the lineup. This type of roster flexibility has been a priority for the Tigers’ front office as they continue to integrate promising prospects into the major league mix.
Torres is the second notable veteran the Tigers have added in free agency this winter, joining right-hander Alex Cobb, who inked a one-year, $15 million pact of his own. These short-term deals align with Detroit’s strategy of improving the roster without hindering future financial flexibility, as the team currently has just one significant contract on the books beyond the 2025 campaign – shortstop Javier Baez’s six-year, $140 million deal signed prior to the 2022 season.
A Step Forward
While the Tigers still have work to do to ascend to the upper echelon of the AL Central, the signing of Gleyber Torres represents a significant step forward. His presence lengthens the lineup, provides a steady glove in the middle infield, and adds a battle-tested veteran to a young clubhouse. If Torres can rediscover his 30-homer pop and the pitching staff takes a leap forward, Detroit could find itself in the thick of the playoff race come September.
As the Tigers continue to make strategic additions and develop their homegrown talent, the arrow is pointing up in Detroit. The acquisition of Gleyber Torres may not make them instant favorites in the division, but it undoubtedly improves their outlook for 2025 and beyond. For a team that hasn’t posted a winning record since 2016, that’s a welcome sign of progress.
- Key Takeaways:
- Tigers sign 2B Gleyber Torres to 1-year, $15M deal
- Torres brings consistent production, positional versatility
- Signing could lead to position change for Colt Keith
- Torres joins SP Alex Cobb as notable veteran additions
- Moves signal Tigers’ effort to improve without sacrificing future flexibility
