“I always stake on myself. At the end of the day, it’s a business, and it’s a beautiful game. I’ve got a special opportunity here and I just want to do my job,” Torres stated in one of his most notable comments to MLB on Fox.

According to his comments, Torres’s adaptation in Detroit has been quite swift from day one. He was welcomed as part of the family despite having spent several seasons with the Yankees. He confessed to feeling comfortable with his new team.

How is Gleyber Torres Performing with the Tigers?

Through his first 10 games with the Tigers, Torres has had 44 plate appearances, producing a total of six runs, 11 hits, and one home run. These are relatively good statistics for a player who recently joined the team but already has a proven track record at the plate.

It’s worth noting that Torres’s final season with the Yankees wasn’t his most productive. Despite 665 plate appearances, he fell short of the 20-home run mark he had surpassed since 2022, hitting only 15 in 2024. Additionally, he had fewer runs and hits compared to previous seasons.

The Tigers Off to a Good Start This Year

Despite the Tigers’ struggles in recent years, their start to the 2025 season has been very positive, with a 13-9 overall record placing them in first place in the AL Central. This puts them in a good position and rhythm to continue winning games and attempt to finish the regular season with strong numbers to reach the postseason.

Following his departure from the Yankees—where general manager Brian Cashman publicly stated that Torres refused to move to third base—the infielder prefers not to dwell on the matter. “To be honest, I don’t know what’s going on there,” Torres told The Athletic. “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.”

Torres explored multiple options in free agency, but the Tigers’ team culture ultimately swayed his decision. “I always bet on myself,” he said. “In this process, I tried to find the right place to play for one year. I got a few opportunities with other teams, but the young team in Detroit, the group looks like a family.”

Another unexpected perk of this move? The ability to grow a beard. Unlike the Yankees, who enforce a strict no-facial-hair policy, the Tigers allow players to sport beards. “My wife really liked it,” Torres said with a smile. “My family really liked it. First time I’ve grown my beard, and I’m really happy to play with it.”

Hinch confident in Torres’ potential

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch is excited about what Torres brings to the team. “Gleyber can be a good defensive player, and he will be,” Hinch said. “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 tap into his athleticism even more. He obviously needs to improve going to his left, if you look at his defensive evaluations. Playing a premium position up the middle, it’s going to be important for him to focus on the little, incremental things that make an effective defender.”

Torres: “Hyped. Excited.”

Torres is embracing the fresh start and the challenge ahead. “Hyped. Excited,” he said. “I think this is the year I have to get better. I’m a player who wants to improve every time. I got a beautiful opportunity here.”

“When I acquired Jazz, I acquired Jazz to be our second baseman and move Gleyber [Torres] to third the rest of last year,” Cashman said on YES Network’s Yankees Hot Stove. “[Manager Aaron Boone] wanted to do it the other way. He moved Jazz to third after we got him and kept Gleyber [Torres] at second because Gleyber didn’t want to move to third and was unwilling.”

Gleyber Torres, visibly frustrated by Cashman’s remarks, responded on social media with a simple, “Still? just turn.” This public exchange hinted at underlying tension between the player and the organization.

Yankees face infield uncertainty

While Torres had experience playing both second base and shortstop, his preference was to remain at second. His offensive production also improved significantly once he became a regular starter at the position.

With Torres now a member of the Detroit Tigers, the Yankees must reconfigure their infield. Chisholm, who had never played third base before last season, will need to adjust to the position again.

“Jazz wound up getting baptized at a position he never had played, played it well enough, and now gives us a little more flexibility entering the ‘25 year,” Cashman said.

Who will step up for the Yankees?

The Yankees’ general manager also mentioned Oswald Peraza, Oswaldo Cabrera, DJ LeMahieu, and Jorbit Vivas as potential options to fill second or third base, suggesting an internal competition could unfold during spring training.

“I don’t know how [the third base situation is] going to play out,” Cashman said. “I do think we can have one of these candidates emerge or multiple guys emerge into a platoon situation at worst, or a solo shot at best, and if not, there’s also the marketplace to play around with as we move forward.”

Torres broke his silence on Saturday, revealing that the New York Yankees did not offer him a contract during free agency before he signed with the Tigers, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.

“After the World Series, I got a lot of phone calls from other teams and just focused on getting an opportunity in another place. I feel like I have to play where somebody wants to give the best for me, and I just want to be available to do the best for the team,” Torres said.

“I’ve got great friends there, great communication with the entire organization. I feel proud of myself for being with the Yankees for seven years, but now I’m with Detroit and just really happy they gave me the opportunity to play next year. I think they have other priorities and I’m not on the list. I’m good,” he added.

A Bright Prospect in New York

Torres joined the Yankees in 2016 as part of a trade with the Chicago Cubs for closer Aroldis Chapman. He quickly became one of baseball’s top prospects and, during his first two seasons in the Bronx (2018 and 2019), established himself as one of the American League’s premier second basemen.

In 2018, Torres earned an All-Star selection and finished third in the voting for the American League Rookie of the Year after hitting .271/.340/.480 with 24 home runs and 77 RBIs. His best season came in 2019 when he posted a .278 batting average, a .337 on-base percentage, and a .535 slugging percentage, accompanied by 38 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 96 runs scored.

A New Chapter in Detroit

Torres’ move to the Detroit Tigers marks the start of a new chapter in his MLB career. In Detroit, he will have the opportunity to play a pivotal role and potentially rediscover his best form.

For the Yankees, Torres’ departure signifies the end of an era with a player once viewed as the future of the franchise. Now, the Tigers will look to capitalize on Torres’ talent and experience as they aim to strengthen their infield and compete in the upcoming season.

However, Torres’ exit might not be the only shake-up for New York Yankees fans. According to FanSided’s Zachary Rotman, the Yankees could also consider moving on from outfielder Alex Verdugo.

“Fortunately for Yankees fans who were sick of Verdugo by the time the season ended, his spot on the roster has been replaced,” Rotman wrote. “They did lose Soto but replaced his spot on the roster with Cody Bellinger, who is expected to be the team’s starting center fielder.

“Aaron Judge is slated to move back to right field, and now is the time for Jasson Domínguez to get his shot as the team’s left fielder. The Yankees could conceivably bring Verdugo back to fill a bench spot, but they already have Trent Grisham on the roster,” Rotman added.

A High Cost for a Supporting Role

With Verdugo projected to sign a four-year, $60 million contract, according to Spotrac, the likelihood of the Yankees retaining him for a secondary role seems slim. Paying nearly $15 million annually for a bench player would be an extravagant expense Yankees management is unlikely to entertain.

The arrival of Cody Bellinger and the anticipated promotion of Jasson Domínguez have effectively displaced Verdugo from the starting lineup, significantly reducing his playing opportunities. With Trent Grisham already set as the backup left fielder, Verdugo’s role has been minimized.

A New Direction for the Yankees

The team is focusing on youth and emerging talent, aiming to rejuvenate the roster and build a competitive squad for the future. This commitment to developing young players signals a clear direction for the Yankees as they work to regain dominance in MLB.

While Torres showed inconsistency throughout the season, particularly in the first half, he proved his value as a hitter, especially after the All-Star break. However, the Yankees seem to be exploring other alternatives at second base.

According to Newsday’s Laura Albanese, the Toronto Blue Jays could be a prime destination for Torres. “The Yankees don’t sound like they’re hoping for a reunion, but there are certainly other teams that could use Torres’ skill set. While it’s true Torres had some mental lapses both defensively at second base and on the base paths, he was still a valuable asset in the lineup, slashing .257/.330/.378,” Albanese wrote.

“He should come relatively cheap, all things considered, and that’s plenty tantalizing to teams. He’s familiar with the AL East, so why not stay there?” Albanese added.

A Possible Return to New York?

Despite the growing likelihood of Torres’ departure, a return to New York isn’t completely off the table. Some analysts, such as Andres Chavez of Empire Sports Media, believe the Yankees could reconsider bringing Torres back at a reasonable price.

“The Yankees can, of course, circle back to Gleyber Torres if his market collapses, potentially on a short-term deal,” Chavez wrote. “After all, he was a quality leadoff hitter in the second half and into the postseason. Torres did manage to finish 2024 as an above-average offensive performer with a 104 wRC+, after a miserable start.”

The Future Ahead

Gleyber Torres’ future in the Major Leagues remains uncertain. However, it is clear that his talent and experience make him an attractive option for several MLB teams, with the potential for a return to the Yankees still lingering in the background.

Gleyber Torres held the position for most of the past few seasons, but with his departure in free agency, the Yankees are searching for a replacement who can provide defensive stability and support the pitching staff.

Recently, content creator Steven Russell predicted in an Instagram video that the Yankees might sign a former San Diego Padres player and 2023 Gold Glove winner.

Who Could Be the Yankees’ New Second Baseman?

The free-agent market offers several options, but Russell has a clear favorite: “Ha Seong Kim… perfect Yankees fit after Gleyber Torres,” Russell said. “Defense-first guy who is at least an average hitter. He’s also very versatile defensively. I think the team could use it.”

Kim’s Versatility: A Crucial Advantage

Kim’s versatility is one of his standout qualities. With Anthony Volpe at shortstop, Kim could seamlessly rotate between second and third base, offering manager Aaron Boone added flexibility in managing his lineup.

A Strategic and Affordable Acquisition for the Yankees

Kim, who recently completed a four-year, $28 million contract with the Padres, might pursue a similar short-term deal with the Yankees. A two-year contract would provide the team with an opportunity to evaluate his performance and potential for the future.

If Kim can recover quickly from his recent shoulder surgery, he could be ready by Opening Day, making him a strategic acquisition for the Yankees as they gear up for the new MLB season.

According to general manager Brian Cashman, the Yankees remain active in the market for an infielder but could turn to internal options, including Oswaldo Cabrera, DJ LeMahieu, and Oswald Peraza, particularly for the second base role.

Cashman emphasized the need to strengthen the roster despite the challenges to find the right guys saying “We need to get a strong defense, a quality offense, and all that stuff, but it isn’t that easy to find guys around.”

Following Torres’ departure and Durbin Feltman’s trade to the Brewers, there has been speculation about shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base and seeking another player to cover third base, where Chisholm has primarily played with the Yankees.

The Internal Candidates Experience

Oswaldo Cabrera, a 25-year-old Venezuelan, has been with the Yankees since 2023. In the 2024 season, he appeared in 108 games, delivering 47 runs, 74 hits, 8 home runs, and 36 RBIs across 299 at-bats—his most productive season to date despite fewer games compared to 2023, when he played in 115.

Veteran DJ LeMahieu, a 36-year-old California native, joined the Yankees in 2019. He was limited during the 2024 season due to a right hip injury but had averaged over 121 games per season with the team prior to his injury. From 2019 to 2023, LeMahieu consistently hit 10 or more home runs per season.

Oswald Peraza, another Venezuelan and the youngest candidate at 24, faced a sub-scapular strain that limited him in 2024. Initially expected to be a bench player last season, he instead saw minimal action. In 2023, Peraza played in 52 games, recording 15 runs, 33 hits, and 2 home runs.

According to recent reports, the Yankees are willing to let Gleyber Torres explore the free-agent market before deciding whether to retain him. This strategy allows the team to evaluate other options and assess if Torres remains the best fit for their roster.

“The Yankees are letting Gleyber Torres look around but could consider him later depending on what he finds,” reported Jon Heyman for the New York Post.

While Torres remains a possibility for the Yankees, his inconsistent performance and defensive errors have raised questions about his future with the team.

Priorities for the Yankees

The Yankees’ top priority is securing Juan Soto. The team is prepared to invest heavily to keep the star hitter in New York. If they are unable to retain Soto, they may turn to other big names in the free-agent market, including Blake Snell, Corbin Burnes, and Max Fried.

Second Base Options for the Yankees

If the Yankees decide not to retain Torres, they could explore several options to fill the second-base position. One possibility is moving Jazz Chisholm from third base to second. Another option would be to target a free agent or consider a trade to acquire a new second baseman.

Ultimately, the Yankees’ decisions regarding Gleyber Torres and other free agents will be crucial in shaping their success in the upcoming MLB seasons.

Alex Verdugo also recently became a free agent, though he has expressed interest in staying in pinstripes. Verdugo, however, acknowledged his performance could have been better, admitting, “I know it wasn’t my best personal year on offense.”

The seven Yankees players who are officially free agents and available on the market include Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres, Clay Holmes, Alex Verdugo, Tim Hill, Tommy Kahnle, and Jonathan Loaisiga. While some may receive new offers from the Yankees, others might explore their options elsewhere.

Several players have options attached to their contracts. Gerrit Cole, for instance, holds a player option that would allow him to decline the remaining four years of his nine-year deal signed in 2020 and explore other teams.

Anthony Rizzo’s Future Depends on the Yankees

Anthony Rizzo’s contract includes a club option, giving the Yankees the choice to release him before his contract concludes. Signed in 2023 on a two-year, $40 million deal, Rizzo’s future with the team could be decided before the 2025 season if the front office decides to exercise this option.

Luke Weaver’s Contract Status

Another name with a club option is Luke Weaver, who signed a modest $2 million contract in 2024. He ended the season with 103 strikeouts, a 2.89 ERA, and four saves, and appeared in four of the five games against the Dodgers in the World Series.

Torres has shown flashes of greatness as a hitter and a base-runner but his defensive flaws have raised questions about his future in the Bronx, with multiple fans even asking for him to be traded as a high-value asset to bring a top-notch player in return.

That’s why he knows that he’s got to bring his A-Game in 2021 after a subpar shortened season last year, and why he recently vowed to be in the best shape of his career ahead of Opening Day.

Gleyber Torres Looks To Be In Great Shape In 2021

“It’s really important to me to be in really good shape. This year, we play 162 games. Personally, I just want to play all the games and be healthy all year. That is how I’ll help my team in any opportunity I have. So far, I feel really good,” Torres said, as quoted by Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

The 24-year-old infielder added that last year’s conditions were tough for everybody around Major League Baseball and that he was pretty much playing catchup in terms of physical conditioning:

“Last year was a tough year for everybody,” Torres continued.“We didn’t start for three or four months. It was very hard for players, especially for me. Now, we know we’re playing a full season, we had a regular offseason, a regular Spring Training. We’ve played really well, and mentally, I feel really well.”

Torres also addressed his defensive flaws and claimed that he’s working non-stop on improving his issues to be the best version of himself and lead the Yankees to the top of the league:

“I’m working really hard every day. I’m so happy to figure out a few things on my defense. Every practice, every day, I’ve been working with Mendy (Coach Carlos Mendoza) to fix all the little things I was working on during the offseason. I feel good, I feel happy. I feel more confident right now. Now, I’ll just try to play my best,” he concluded.

It’s been a while since the Bronx Bombers last made it to the World Series and Gleyber Torres could play a major part in their plans to put an end to their title drought, so hopefully, he’ll be able to live up to his word this season.