Gleyber Torres, the talented infielder, has officially signed a one-year contract worth $15 million with the Detroit Tigers, as announced by the team on Friday. At 28, Torres has spent the majority of his career with the New York Yankees, where he showcased his skills after being traded from the Chicago Cubs in 2016. Over his seven seasons with the Yankees, he established a career OPS of .774, primarily playing second base and shortstop. For the Tigers, he is expected to continue his role at second base.
Despite a slight decline in slugging last season, where he posted a .378 mark after two consecutive seasons over .450, Torres remains a player with significant power for a middle infielder. Over the past two seasons, he has hit 49 home runs, although he managed 15 homers last season alone. Notably, Torres had a standout performance during the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians, hitting .364 and aiding the Yankees in their playoff journey.
This acquisition might prompt a positional shift for Colt Keith, who was the starting second baseman for the Tigers in 2024. The Tigers are aiming for roster flexibility as they integrate their prospects into the major league lineup. Additionally, the team has continued to bolster its roster by signing pitcher Alex Cobb to a one-year, $15 million deal this offseason, with the outlook of maintaining financial flexibility given that their only significant contract beyond the 2025 season is with shortstop Javier Baez.
In summary, Torres’ move to Detroit represents an exciting opportunity for both the player and the team, as they hope to build on their competitive prospects for the coming seasons. His experience in the league and proven track record could be invaluable to the Tigers as they strive to enhance their performance in upcoming games. This signing exemplifies the Tigers’ commitment to developing a strong roster while adapting to the evolving dynamics of player positions.