As Detroit and New York media circled around him in the visitor’s dugout at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, Gleyber Torres debuted a new look for his return to the Bronx.
The former Yankee and current Tiger grew a beard shortly after signing a one-year, $15 million contract with Detroit over the offseason — not that that would have been an issue for the 2025 pinstripers — but he added cornrows to his aesthetic on Monday. With the Tigers off, Torres visited his favorite New York City-based barbershop, Jordan MVP Barbershop, before the start of a huge three-game series.
“We tried something new,” Torres said with a smile.
It has been a year of significant change for the second baseman, as he spent the first seven years of his big league career with the Yankees, who acquired him from the Cubs when he was just 19. Torres has also taken on a leadership role for the first-place Tigers, who boast more than a few players who are younger than the 28-year-old.
On top of that, Torres is putting together another solid season at the plate. While in a second half slump, he entered Tuesday’s matchup with a .259/.362/.396 slash line, 15 home runs, 66 RBI and a 115 wRC+ over 128 games.
“He’s a staple in their lineup, and he’s a really good player,” said Torres’ former manager, Aaron Boone. “We saw that here, especially the kind of finish he had last year the final two months of the season, and then all through October. He’s kind of carried it over there and been really consistent for them. He’s such a good hitter. He knows the strike zone so well. Last year, you started to see the maturity. He was always a good hitter, but you really started to see that veteran, mature hitter who really controls the strike zone. He can impact the ball a little bit too. He’s tough against good pitching.
“He’s been a key part of their season and why they’re in first place over there.”
However, Torres has remained a poor defender and baserunner in Detroit, which is partly why the Yankees didn’t extend an offer to the three-time All-Star over the offseason despite needing infield help. Torres was also benched twice last season due to poor performance and hustle, and he resisted a transition to third base after the Yankees acquired Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Marlins mid-season.
Torres acknowledged that he “didn’t do his best” with a “couple things” as a Yankee. He added, “No, not really” when asked if he was disappointed the team didn’t try to retain him.
“I know it’s a business,” Torres said before noting that teams are always looking to improve. “I don’t have any bad feelings with the organization. I’m always gonna be grateful for the opportunity.
“To wear the pinstripes was an honor for me.”
These days, Torres is grateful for his opportunity in The Motor City.
He said he’s enjoyed “everything” about Detroit, and he seemed open to signing a long-term deal there with free agency on the horizon once again.
“Yeah, why not?” he said. “I haven’t had any conversation with the team yet. I think, like normal, they’re gonna wait for after the season. But yeah, let’s see.”
For now, Torres is glad to be back in the Bronx for a few days.
He was on the injured list when the Yankees visited the Tigers in April, so his return to Yankee Stadium also marks his first games against his ex-employer.
“This was my house for my first seven years,” said Torres, who caught up with former teammates before Tuesday’s game. “I’m really happy to be here.”
Torres also said he’s hoping for a positive reaction from fans, as his highs outnumbered his lows in a Yankee uniform. Boone said he expects an ovation, and that Torres “deserves” one.
“I really liked the fans and everything when I was playing here,” Torres said. “Unfortunately, whatever happened last year, is in the past. I always tried to do the best for the team, and for sure, for the fans. I tried to bring the energy every night when I got an opportunity to play.”
