The 2016 MLB trade deadline marked a turning point for the New York Yankees. Mired in mediocrity halfway through the season, the team opted for a strategic rebuild rather than a win-now approach. They traded away established stars Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller, and Carlos Beltran, acquiring a dozen players in return from the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Guardians, and Texas Rangers. This influx of young talent was intended to lay the foundation for future success, though the immediate impact on the Yankees’ roster was limited. While ten of the acquired players eventually reached the majors, only a handful – Gleyber Torres, Clint Frazier, Ben Heller, Adam Warren, and Billy McKinney – actually donned pinstripes. Other promising prospects like Justus Sheffield, Erik Swanson, and Dillon Tate were subsequently traded to acquire established players such as James Paxton and Zack Britton. Of all the players the Yankees received in that deadline shakeup, Torres remained with the team the longest, but his tenure in New York concluded this offseason when he signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers.
Torres’ departure from the Yankees seemed inconceivable just a few years earlier. Following a breakout 2019 season, where he hit 38 home runs and earned an All-Star selection, Torres appeared to be a cornerstone of the franchise. His early success, highlighted by a .278 average, 38 home runs, and 90 RBIs in 2019, solidified his status as a rising star. His performance against the Baltimore Orioles that season was particularly memorable, with 13 home runs and 20 RBIs in just 18 games, a feat that left Orioles announcer Gary Thorne practically speechless. However, Torres’ trajectory took a downward turn following that stellar season.
The subsequent three seasons witnessed a decline in Torres’ offensive production, with his batting average hovering around .250. His defensive struggles at shortstop in 2021, marked by 18 errors in 108 games, further compounded his challenges. Although he transitioned back to second base in 2022 and saw a resurgence in power, hitting 24 home runs, his overall performance remained inconsistent. The 2023 season, marred by injuries to key players like Aaron Judge, saw Torres emerge as one of the more consistent Yankees, hitting .273 with 25 home runs and 68 RBIs. Nevertheless, his overall performance remained checkered, with periods of both productivity and struggles.
The 2024 season began with Torres in the leadoff spot, but a sluggish start and a .226 average through June led to a change in his batting order position. He was also briefly benched for a lack of hustle. However, Torres regained his footing in the latter half of the season, hitting .298 with a .786 OPS in his final 74 games. This late-season surge likely influenced his decision to sign a one-year deal with Detroit, betting on himself to perform well enough to earn a more lucrative, multi-year contract in the next free agency period. He expressed confidence in his abilities during his introductory press conference with the Tigers, emphasizing his belief in his potential and the opportunity he saw in joining a young and promising Detroit team.
The Tigers, coming off an 86-win season, recognized the potential in Torres despite his inconsistencies. They saw an opportunity to acquire a relatively young, experienced player who could contribute to their rebuilding efforts. The Tigers’ President of Baseball Operations, Scott Harris, publicly acknowledged their belief in Torres’ untapped potential on both offense and defense. They viewed his strong second-half performance as an indicator of what he could achieve with more consistency. For Torres, Detroit represented a fresh start and a chance to prove his worth in a new environment.
Ultimately, Torres’ time in New York will be remembered as a mix of early promise and subsequent inconsistency. While he flashed moments of brilliance, particularly in his All-Star 2019 season, he was ultimately unable to sustain that level of performance. His departure marks the end of an era for both the player and the team, with the Yankees moving on and Torres seeking to revitalize his career in Detroit. The Tigers, meanwhile, hope that a change of scenery and a belief in his potential will unlock the talent that once made Torres a highly touted prospect. Only time will tell if Torres can recapture his early success and establish himself as a consistent performer in Detroit.
