NEW YORK — Two former New York Yankees took divergent paths Tuesday as baseball’s qualifying offer deadline reshaped the free agent landscape.
One infielder, who spent seven seasons in pinstripes slammed the door on a potential return by accepting a $22.025 million offer from his current team. Meanwhile, a pitcher who blossomed after leaving the Bronx declined his qualifying offer and left the window open for a reunion.
The contrasting decisions highlight different risk calculations as both former Yankees stars navigate uncertain waters. One chose guaranteed money and security. The other bet on himself to secure a larger multi-year deal despite injury concerns clouding his market value.
Torres prefers security in Detroit
Gleyber Torres became one of only 18 players to accept a qualifying offer since the system began in 2012. The 29-year-old second baseman joined a four-member group alongside Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga, Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff and his former Yankees teammate Trent Grisham.
The Yankees declined to extend Torres a qualifying offer last winter when he hit free agency. That decision proved costly for Torres initially, as he found a weak market and settled for a one-year, $15 million deal with the Tigers.
Torres earned an All-Star selection in his first Detroit season but finished with mixed results. He batted .256 with 16 home runs and 74 RBI across 145 games, posting a .745 OPS.
The second half proved problematic. After hitting .281 with an .812 OPS through 84 first-half games, Torres slumped to .223 with a .659 OPS after the break. September marked his worst month of the season.
Torres played through a sports hernia for roughly a month covering the end of the regular season and playoffs. He underwent surgery in late October and expects clearance for full baseball activities in late November or early December.
The qualifying offer represented guaranteed money at a higher annual value than Torres likely would have commanded on the open market. The looming possibility of a work stoppage before 2027 added urgency to securing immediate funds.
The collective bargaining agreement expires in December 2026, creating uncertainty about the 2027 season and beyond. Players can receive a qualifying offer only once in their careers, meaning Torres cannot be tagged again when he hits free agency after 2026.
Yankees shut out of reunion
Torres spent seven seasons in pinstripes after arriving as one of baseball’s top prospects. He made three All-Star teams and helped the Yankees reach the American League Championship Series three times.
His best season came in 2019 when he belted 38 home runs and drove in 90 runs. Torres posted a career .264 batting average with a .770 OPS across 853 games with New York.
The Yankees declined to offer Torres a qualifying deal last winter as part of their aggressive pursuit of Juan Soto. General manager Brian Cashman prioritized financial flexibility for bigger targets.
Detroit has several infield options including Jace Jung, Zach McKinstry, Javier Baez and Colt Keith. Torres projects as the primary second baseman for 2026.
King keeps door ajar for return
Michael King took the opposite approach with San Diego, declining his qualifying offer to test free agency as the most intriguing arm available among former Yankees pitchers.
The right-hander becomes the most intriguing arm available among former Yankees pitchers.
King, who will turn 31 in May, previously indicated openness to reuniting with New York. When asked about the possibility during the 2025 season, he addressed it directly.
“I mean, of course, once you get to free agency, that’s what I’ll start thinking about,” King said in May. “I’ve got to focus on winning today.”
The Rhode Island native grew up supporting the Yankees and posted a 2.60 ERA with 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings during his final two seasons in pinstripes. He became a versatile weapon as both a high-leverage reliever and occasional starter.
New York traded King to San Diego as the primary piece in the December 2023 deal that brought Soto to the Bronx. The move proved bittersweet as King blossomed into a frontline starter.
Injury clouds King’s market
King compiled a 13-9 record with a 2.95 ERA across 30 starts in 2024, his first full season as a starter. He struck out 201 batters in 173.2 innings and finished seventh in National League Cy Young voting.
The 2025 campaign started brilliantly with King posting a 2.59 ERA through his first 10 starts. But shoulder and knee injuries limited him to just 15 total starts.
King landed on the injured list in May with a nerve issue in his throwing shoulder. He returned late in the season but struggled with a 3.44 ERA over his final five starts.
MLB Trade Rumors projects King will land a four-year, $80 million contract despite the injury concerns. Several teams figure as potential suitors including the Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves.
Yankees connection runs deep
Multiple reports indicate the Yankees maintain real interest in bringing King back. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden described a reunion as “a real possibility” earlier this month.
King’s familiarity with the organization and proven success in New York’s high-pressure environment makes him an appealing target. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised his former pitcher during King’s return to Yankee Stadium in May.
“He’s become everything you would have hoped for,” Boone said. “I can’t say I’m surprised.”
The Yankees need rotation help with Gerrit Cole recovering from Tommy John surgery and Carlos Rodon managing elbow issues. Both pitchers project to miss the start of the 2026 season.
Clarke Schmidt provides stability, but depth remains a concern. King could slot in as a mid-rotation starter or return to a versatile role similar to what he performed in New York.
2025 MLB Qualifying Offer Decisions (November 18, 2025)
| Player | Position | Team | Decision | Projected Contracts |
| Trent Grisham | OF | New York Yankees | Accepted | 4 years, $66 million |
| Gleyber Torres | 2B | Detroit Tigers | Accepted | 3-4 years, $45-60 million |
| Shota Imanaga | SP | Chicago Cubs | Accepted | 3-4 years, $50-65 million |
| Brandon Woodruff | SP | Milwaukee Brewers | Accepted | 2-3 years, $40-50 million |
| Kyle Schwarber | DH | Philadelphia Phillies | Declined | 3-4 years, $75-90 million |
| Kyle Tucker | OF | Chicago Cubs | Declined | 10-12 years, $325-460 million |
| Ranger Suárez | SP | Philadelphia Phillies | Declined | 4-5 years, $80-100 million |
| Bo Bichette | SS | Toronto Blue Jays | Declined | 6-8 years, $150-200 million |
| Dylan Cease | SP | San Diego Padres | Declined | 5-6 years, $100-130 million |
| Edwin Díaz | RP | New York Mets | Declined | 3-4 years, $60-80 million |
| Zac Gallen | SP | Arizona Diamondbacks | Declined | 5-6 years, $120-150 million |
| Michael King | SP | San Diego Padres | Declined | 4 years, $80 million |
| Framber Valdez | SP | Houston Astros | Declined | 5 years, $150 million |
Contrasting futures
Torres and King arrived at opposite conclusions about their futures. Torres chose security and guaranteed money with a team outside New York. King bet on himself to secure a larger multi-year deal despite injury concerns.
For Torres, the decision ends his Yankees chapter definitively. His qualifying offer acceptance makes a 2026 reunion impossible unless Detroit trades him, which seems unlikely.
King keeps multiple options available. If the Yankees engage seriously in bidding, his connection to the organization could provide an advantage. But financial competition from other clubs will determine his landing spot.
The Yankees have approximately $282 million committed to their 2026 luxury tax payroll before adding potential free agents. Owner Hal Steinbrenner previously stated a $300 million payroll remains unsustainable.
Both Torres and King face uncertain futures beyond 2026 as the collective bargaining agreement expires. Their decisions reflect different risk tolerances in an unstable market.
Nine other players declined qualifying offers Tuesday, including Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker, Padres pitcher Dylan Cease, Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez and Houston pitcher Framber Valdez.
Teams signing players who rejected qualifying offers forfeit draft picks, with compensation varying based on luxury tax status. The system aims to balance free agency with team protection for losing valuable players.
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