Tigers Sign Two-Time All-Star Gleyber Torres to One-Year Deal
The Detroit Tigers have signed former New York Yankees middle infielder Gleyber Torres to a one-year, $15 million contract, the team announced on Friday. The deal includes a $500,000 assignment bonus for the 28-year-old Venezuelan, who brings All-Star pedigree and postseason experience to Detroit’s roster.
Torres’ Track Record
Torres, a two-time All-Star (2018 and 2019), batted .257 with 15 home runs and 63 RBIs in 154 games during the 2024 season. He added to his postseason resume with two homers and eight RBIs in 14 games, helping the Yankees reach the World Series as runners-up.
Over seven seasons with New York, Torres established himself as a reliable presence at the plate, compiling a career .265 batting average, 138 home runs, and 441 RBIs in 888 regular-season games. He debuted in 2018, finishing third in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Defensive Adjustments for Tigers
Torres played exclusively at second base for the Yankees over the past two seasons, with 601 career starts at second and 233 starts at shortstop. His arrival in Detroit will prompt a positional reshuffle:
- Colt Keith, who started 125 games at second base as a rookie in 2024, will transition to first base, according to team president of baseball operations Scott Harris.
- Spencer Torkelson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, faces uncertainty regarding his role. Torkelson has struggled offensively, batting .221 with an on-base percentage of .300 in 361 career games.
Torkelson’s Struggles
Torkelson’s underwhelming performance in the majors has raised questions about his long-term future with the Tigers.
- 2024 Season (MLB): Batted .219 with 75 hits in 92 games.
- Triple-A Toledo: Improved slightly, hitting .239 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs in 58 games after being sent down midseason.
The Tigers’ infield adjustments, including Torres’ addition and Keith’s move to first base, may put Torkelson’s spot on the Opening Day roster in jeopardy.
Impact of Torres’ Signing
With Torres’ experience and versatility, the Tigers aim to bolster their lineup as they look to compete in the American League Central. His solid offensive production, paired with Keith’s transition and defensive flexibility, provides Detroit with a much-needed boost.
Torres also brings postseason experience, a valuable asset for a Tigers team eager to improve after a challenging 2024 season. His arrival signals Detroit’s commitment to reshaping their roster and developing a more competitive team in 2025.
