Torres takes one last swing at Yankees, looks ahead with Tigers

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Gleyber Torres has embarked on a new journey with the Detroit Tigers, marking a definitive end to his tenure in pinstripes. The dynamic infielder, who inked a one-year, $15 million contract with Detroit, approaches the 2025 season with renewed purpose and determination to establish his value in a pivotal career moment.

The complex nature of Torres’ Yankees departure

The circumstances surrounding Torres’ exit from New York surfaced in early February when he briefly shared, then removed, an enigmatic social media post. The message appeared to address Yankees GM Brian Cashman’s public revelation about his alleged resistance to transitioning to third base following Jazz Chisholm‘s acquisition. Torres, however, maintains a diplomatic stance on the situation.

“To be honest, I don’t know what’s going on there,” Torres reflected from his new home in the Tigers’ clubhouse. “I believed everything was good, but (now) I think no. So I don’t want to give any comments. … Whatever they have, they have. I’m just focusing on my goals this year, how to get better and help my team.

Strategic value to Detroit’s infield

The Tigers view Torres as an integral component of their revamped infield configuration. With Colt Keith’s transition to first base, the ex-Yankees star assumes command of second base duties. His career .334 on-base percentage and right-handed power potential address critical needs in Detroit’s offensive arsenal.

Statistical projections paint an optimistic picture despite defensive uncertainties. According to FanGraphs’ 2025 ZiPS projections, Torres is expected to deliver:

• .260/.335/.402, 17 HR, 3.0 fWAR

These numbers align closely with fellow infielder Alex Bregman’s projected performance:

• .252/.333/.430, 22 HR, 3.9 fWAR

While Bregman’s defensive superiority creates separation between the two, Torres’ offensive capabilities represent substantial value for Detroit, particularly given the flexibility afforded by his contract structure.

Betting big on personal growth

Torres’ decision to pursue a one-year agreement reflects his confidence in future potential.

“I always bet on myself,” Torres emphasized. “In this process, I tried to find the right place to play one year. I got a few opportunities with other teams, but the young team in Detroit, the group looks like a family.”

His choice was influenced by former Yankees teammate Gio Urshela’s positive experience with the Tigers. The pair, who share ownership of a Tampa hitting facility, maintain strong ties. Combined with Torres’ admiration for Venezuelan icon Miguel Cabrera, Detroit emerged as an ideal destination.

The signing materialized following an extensive Christmas Eve conversation with Tigers President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris, solidifying Torres’ position as a crucial addition to the team’s infield composition.

Technical refinements underway

Recent seasons have seen slight declines in Torres’ average exit velocity and hard-hit rates. Addressing these trends, Tigers hitting coaches Michael Brdar and Lance Zawadzki initiated early work with Torres post-signing, implementing adjustments to enhance his batting box stability.

“We were able to kind of get started with some hitting adjustments to get him a little more stable in the box and continue to push him to be better,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch explained.

Defensive development top priority

Torres’ defensive metrics present clear opportunities for improvement. His 2024 performance included 18 errors at second base—leading all MLB second basemen—alongside concerning metrics in Defensive Runs Saved (-11) and Outs Above Average, particularly in movements toward first base.

Given Detroit’s ground-ball-heavy pitching staff, elevating Torres’ defensive capabilities remains paramount. Third-base and infield coach Joey Cora has established an intensive development program focusing on enhanced mobility and fundamental refinement.

“Gleyber can be a good defensive player, and he will be,” Hinch stated confidently. “I think his work with Joey, partly in this offseason and into this spring, is going to be front and center. We feel like he can get to his athleticism a little bit better. He obviously needs to get better going to his left, if you look at the defensive evaluation of him.”

Torres has embraced this challenge, engaging in daily sessions with Cora to address these aspects of his game.

A jab at Yankees’ facial policy

His arrival at Tigers’ camp marked a visible transformation, sporting a neatly trimmed beard—a style previously forbidden under Yankees‘ strict grooming policies. Torres noted with amusement that his family and wife approve of his new look, a subtle yet symbolic representation of his fresh start.

“My wife really liked it,” he said. “My family really liked it. First time I’ve done my beard, and I’m really happy to play with it.”

Torres’ incorporation into the Tigers’ clubhouse culture has been seamless. Hinch’s due diligence, consulting former coaches and teammates, yielded consistently positive feedback about Torres’ character and work ethic.

“Just trying to learn the person,” Hinch shared. “He’s very humble. He’s very approachable. He’s very open. The dialogue has been extremely good.”

Torres has already begun developing rapport with shortstop Trey Sweeney, emphasizing the importance of their partnership’s evolution both on and off the field.

“Just build more of a relationship, like brothers,” Torres explained. “When you got a relationship like that on the infield, I think everything goes better.”

Embracing new horizons

As Torres settles into his role with Detroit, his enthusiasm for the opportunity ahead is palpable. The Tigers view him as a crucial piece in their playoff aspirations, and he approaches this responsibility with characteristic determination.

“Hyped. Excited,” the second baseman expressed. “I think this is gonna be the year I have to get better. I’m a player who wants to be better every time. I got a beautiful opportunity here.”

This new chapter represents more than just a change of scenery for Torres—it’s an opportunity to reshape his narrative and potentially secure his long-term future. Whether as a cornerstone piece for the Tigers’ future or a valuable trade asset, Torres’ performance in 2025 could significantly influence both his career trajectory and Detroit’s competitive outlook. As spring training progresses, the baseball world watches with interest to see if this calculated gamble by both player and team yields the breakthrough season both parties envision.

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