The Detroit Tigers have announced the signing of infielder Gleyber Torres to a one-year, $15 million contract, as reported by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. Torres is expected to take over as the team’s starting second baseman.
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Torres, 28, spent his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the New York Yankees before this move. Once one of the league’s most promising prospects, Torres seemed destined for superstardom after a spectacular 2019 season in which he hit 38 home runs in 144 games. However, he has since settled into a solid and reliable role, particularly as a second baseman, rather than the standout shortstop many expected.
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In recent years, Torres has posted a batting average of .261/.332/.411 — about 9% above league average, according to the wRC+ index, which adjusts for ballparks and run-scoring environments.
The 2024 season began poorly for Torres, with disappointing numbers (.215/.294/.333) over his first 80 games and a high strikeout rate of 23.9%. However, he rebounded strongly starting in June, recording a much-improved performance of .298/.365/.421 and reducing his strikeout rate to 17.3% for the remainder of the season.
With Torres joining the Tigers, the team’s infield gains much-needed stability amid several uncertainties. Youngster Colt Keith is expected to shift to third base as Torres takes over at second. Keith improved significantly after a slow start to his rookie season, finishing with a .285/.330/.429 line across 445 plate appearances.
For Torres, this move to Detroit offers a chance to rejuvenate his career while helping the Tigers build a more consistent and competitive infield. His performance will be crucial to the team’s aspirations for 2025, as they aim to establish themselves as serious contenders in the American League Central Division.
Photo: Instagram @gleyberdavid
