Detroit Tigers take a big gamble signing Gleyber Torres for $15 million

In December 2024, Gleyber Torres, a 28-year-old infielder, signed a one-year contract worth $15 million with the Detroit Tigers after becoming a free agent. Torres had completed a mixed season with the New York Yankees in 2024, where he demonstrated inconsistent performance both offensively and defensively. Despite struggling in the first half, where he recorded a .221 batting average alongside eight home runs and 33 RBIs, he bounced back strongly toward the end of the season, finishing with a more respectable .298 average and showing signs of his previous potential. His season, however, ended significantly negatively with the Yankees being ousted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, further shadowed by his defensive inadequacies, which included leading all MLB second basemen in errors. Torres, originally signed by the Chicago Cubs in 2013, quickly became a celebrated player after his trade to the Yankees in 2016, becoming an All-Star in 2018 and 2019. However, rumors circled about his future with the Yankees due to worries about his performance, particularly after moving to shortstop in 2020 that seemed to affect his game. His agreement with the Tigers marks a new chapter in his career amidst speculation about his past struggles and hope for redemption in Detroit, especially as they gear up for their season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers in March 2025.