The Detroit Tigers have focused their offseason efforts on enhancing their lineup with a right-handed hitter to balance their predominantly young, left-handed roster.
When Scott Harris, the team’s president of baseball operations, identified former Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres as a fitting candidate, he dedicated much of Christmas Eve to finalizing a one-year, $15 million deal.
“My family wasn’t too thrilled about that,” Harris joked, reflecting on the timing.
A Good Addition to the Lineup
Negotiations stretched over Christmas and Boxing Day, culminating in the finalized agreement on Friday. While Harris may have risked some holiday cheer with his family, the acquisition provides manager A.J. Hinch with a valuable addition for the 2025 season.
Torres’ postseason experience and potential to make an immediate impact offer a promising boost to the Tigers’ lineup.
Harris suggested this move might not be the last adjustment, stating, “I’m always looking for ways to improve this team. I really like our current trajectory, but there’s more work to be done.”
The deal, which includes a $500,000 trade assignment bonus, brings changes to Detroit’s infield configuration. Torres will take over second base, with Colt Keith shifting to first base, a position the team had previously advised him to prepare for.
This adjustment leaves Spencer Torkelson, the Tigers’ primary first baseman in recent years, competing for a role at first base or as a designated hitter. Harris confirmed conversations with both Keith and Torkelson ahead of the move.
“Our team needs more right-handed power,” Harris explained. “Tork has shown that potential before and is working hard this offseason to prove he belongs in this lineup.”
Torres’ Role and Outlook
On the left side of the infield, the situation remains unchanged. Torres, who played shortstop early in his career, will not be used there in Detroit.
Javier Báez is recovering from hip surgery, while rookie Trey Sweeney performed well during the postseason stretch. At third base, the Tigers have been exploring options, including free agent Alex Bregman.
Offensively, Torres is expected to complement the team’s athletic lineup in Comerica Park. Known for his power in earlier seasons, including 38 home runs in 2019, he has also displayed high-contact skills.
Though his 2024 campaign dipped to a .257/.330/.378 slash line with 15 homers, he excelled as a leadoff hitter in the latter part of the season, posting a .306/.375/.418 line over the final two months and consistently reaching base in postseason appearances.
“We saw glimpses of his offensive potential late in the season and in October,” Harris noted. “He believes there’s more to unlock, and so do we.”
Torres’ career strikeout rate of 20.3% sits below the league average, while his walk rate of 9.1% slightly exceeds it. Harris emphasized the value Torres adds, particularly in supporting the team’s emerging left-handed hitters.
This signing echoes the Tigers’ recent pattern of securing short-term contracts with bounceback potential, as seen with pitchers like Michael Lorenzen and Jack Flaherty.
Should Torres excel in 2025 and enter free agency, Detroit could offer him a qualifying deal, potentially earning a compensatory draft pick if he signs elsewhere.
“He had longer offers on the table but chose to bet on himself,” Harris shared. “That determination made him even more appealing to us.
He’s had proactive discussions with Joey Cora about improving his defense and values being in a place where he can grow and compete. Detroit has become that kind of environment—a place where players can thrive and win.”
