Detroit Tigers Sign Gleyber Torres to One-Year Deal

The Detroit Tigers have made a significant offseason move by signing free-agent infielder Gleyber Torres to a one-year, $15 million contract, sources familiar with the deal confirmed to ESPN. This addition bolsters the Tigers’ infield while signaling their intent to remain competitive as they continue building around emerging talent.

Gleyber Torres: A Proven Performer

At 28 years old, Torres brings a wealth of experience to Detroit after spending the first seven seasons of his MLB career with the New York Yankees. Originally acquired by the Yankees in a 2016 trade with the Chicago Cubs, Torres has established himself as a versatile infielder with a career OPS of 0.774. Known for his ability to play both shortstop and second base, he will primarily fill the second base position for the Tigers, where he has played consistently over the last four seasons.

Offensive and Defensive Contributions

Gleyber Torres has demonstrated strong offensive capabilities throughout his career, particularly for a middle infielder. Despite a slight decline in slugging percentage last season, which dropped to 0.378 after consecutive years above 0.450, Torres remains a valuable hitter. He combined for 49 home runs during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, showcasing his power at the plate.

Although his home run count dipped to 15 last season, Torres performed exceptionally well in clutch moments, including an impressive 0.364 batting average during the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Cleveland Guardians. His contributions helped propel the Yankees to the World Series, further proving his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

Impact on the Tigers’ Lineup

The addition of Gleyber Torres introduces new dynamics to the Tigers’ infield. His arrival could lead to positional adjustments, particularly for Colt Keith, who was the Tigers’ starting second baseman during the 2024 season. The Tigers’ management appears committed to maintaining roster flexibility as their promising pool of prospects continues to transition into the major leagues.

This signing is part of a broader strategy by the Tigers to reinforce their roster while preparing for the future. Alongside Torres, Detroit has also signed pitcher Alex Cobb to a one-year, $15 million contract this offseason. These moves come as the Tigers maintain financial flexibility, with only one significant long-term contract—shortstop Javier Báez, whose deal runs through the 2025 season—on their books.

A Step Toward Competitiveness

The Detroit Tigers are positioning themselves as a team to watch in the coming season. By acquiring an experienced player like Torres, they are not only addressing immediate needs but also providing a steadying presence for their younger players. Torres’ leadership and proven performance at the highest level are assets that will undoubtedly benefit the Tigers as they navigate the challenges of a competitive division.

Torres’ Future with the Tigers

While the one-year nature of the contract suggests a short-term commitment, it also provides Gleyber Torres with an opportunity to prove his value and potentially secure a longer-term deal, either with the Tigers or another team. For Detroit, this move represents a low-risk, high-reward scenario as they continue to refine their roster for sustained success.

In signing Torres, the Tigers have made a clear statement: they are committed to enhancing their roster with skilled and experienced players, blending proven talent with their emerging prospects. As the season approaches, Detroit Tigers fans have much to look forward to, with Torres playing a pivotal role in the team’s plans for 2025 and beyond.