Tigers add infield pop, sign Gleyber to 1-year, $15M deal

Dec. 27, 2024, 8:30 p.m. Sports

The Detroit Tigers have made a major move to bolster their infield for the upcoming season, signing free agent infielder Gleyber Torres to a one-year, $15 million deal. This significant acquisition is sure to bring some much-needed power and versatility to the Tigers' lineup as they look to compete in a tough American League Central division.

Torres, who spent the past few seasons with the New York Yankees, is widely regarded as one of the top infielders in the game today. The 25-year-old brings a potent bat to the table, with a career .263 batting average and 94 home runs in just four seasons in the majors. His ability to hit for both power and average will provide a huge boost to a Tigers offense that ranked near the bottom of the league in several key offensive categories last season.

In addition to his impressive offensive numbers, Torres also brings a solid defensive skill set to the table. Primarily a shortstop by trade, Torres has shown versatility by also playing second and third base during his time with the Yankees. This flexibility will allow Tigers manager A.J. Hinch to mix and match his infield alignments depending on matchups and situations, giving the team added defensive stability and roster flexibility.

The signing of Torres represents a significant investment by the Tigers, who have been aggressive this offseason in their efforts to improve their roster. After finishing last in the AL Central in 2021, the team is clearly looking to make a statement and compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming season.

Tigers fans are sure to be excited about the addition of Torres to the roster. His combination of youth, talent, and experience at the highest level of the game make him an incredibly valuable asset for the team. With veterans like Miguel Cabrera and Jonathan Schoop already in place, Torres should provide a much-needed boost to a lineup that struggled to score runs consistently last season.

In a statement following the signing, Tigers general manager Al Avila praised Torres for his talent and character, calling him a "dynamic player" who will make an immediate impact on the team. Avila also emphasized the importance of adding depth and versatility to the roster, noting that Torres will allow the team to be creative with their lineup construction and defensive alignments.

The addition of Torres is just the latest in a series of moves made by the Tigers this offseason. The team has also signed outfielder Nomar Mazara and pitcher Drew Smyly, as well as re-signing closer Gregory Soto to a long-term extension. These moves, combined with the signing of Torres, show that the Tigers are serious about competing in the tough AL Central division.

As the Tigers prepare for the upcoming season, fans can look forward to seeing Torres in action in the team's infield. His blend of power, versatility, and defensive skills should make him a key contributor to the team's success in 2022. With a revamped roster and a renewed sense of optimism, the Tigers are hoping that Torres's signing will be the first step towards a successful season and a return to playoff contention.