The New York Yankees made a significant decision during the last offseason when they declined to re-sign Gleyber Torres. Instead, he joined the Detroit Tigers, a move that is impacting the current MLB postseason.
Torres’ Performance in the ALDS
As of Wednesday, both the Yankees and Tigers find themselves in challenging positions in their respective American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. Both teams are down 2-1 in their series. Despite the Yankees struggling on the offensive front, Torres has performed well against the Mariners.
Yankees’ Decision Not to Retain Torres
The decision to let Torres leave stemmed from the Yankees’ vision for their future lineup. They did not see him as a fit due to the acquisition of Jazz Chisholm. Chisholm was brought in before the 2024 trade deadline as a second baseman, leaving little room for Torres in that position.
Furthermore, reports suggest that Torres was unwilling to transition to third base. The Yankees faced continuous struggles at that position early in the season, and they could have utilized Torres there. However, his reluctance to adapt played a role in the team’s decision-making.
Concerns About Torres’ Performance
The Yankees also had concerns regarding Torres’ consistency as a hitter. In the 2024 season, he hit 16 home runs but posted a batting average of only .257. With these stats, combined with a lack of elite defensive skills and base running, the Yankees were uncertain about his overall fit on the roster.
Tigers’ Positive Acquisition
The Detroit Tigers, on the other hand, viewed Torres as a valuable addition to their developing roster. He provided an established bat, posting an OPS of .745 in the season. This move enhances the Tigers’ youthful core as they aim for postseason success.
As both teams look ahead, the focus remains on their ability to mount a comeback in the ALDS. The outcome may have been different had Gleyber Torres remained with the Yankees, but his departure has left both teams navigating their distinct paths in the postseason.
