TAMPA – As the Tigers took batting practice at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Sunday afternoon, one familiar face could not be found.
Gleyber Torres, entering his first year with the Tigers after seven seasons with the Yankees, did not venture to his old stomping grounds for an exhibition between the two teams. That was expected, as veterans often skip road trips during spring training.
But Tigers skipper A.J. Hinch still fielded questions about the second baseman prior to the game. So far, Torres is making a strong impression on Hinch, who is “looking forward to challenging” the 28-year-old.
“He’s been really great to talk to and digest a lot of what he’s experienced, both in the regular season and the postseason,” Hinch said. “He’s been an open book when it’s come to hearing from us on what adjustments he needs to make to be the best version of himself the longest. We’re really happy with his potential and what he can add to our team.
“He wants to be good. He likes winning. He wants to continue to get better. He’s asked to be coached and coached hard, and we’re going to do it.”
Torres, once anticipating a long-term deal, settled for a one-year, $15 million contract with Detroit over the winter after the Yankees didn’t make an offer. His lackluster market followed a rocky 2024 campaign in which he struggled offensively in the first half, was benched twice, and looked like one of the worst defenders in the game.
Torres, who eventually found success at the plate and took over the leadoff spot, was unwilling to move to third base after the Yankees acquired Jazz Chisholm Jr. Brian Cashman recently reminded YES Network viewers of that.
Torres responded with a since-deleted social media post saying it was time to turn the page.
Torres’ defense was a major talking point last season. While solid going to his right, he led his position with a career-high 18 errors.
Defense was one of the reasons the Yankees didn’t pursue a reunion with a player who had been in their organization since he was a 19-year-old prospect. However, Hinch believes Torres’ glove can be an asset.
“He can be a good defender, and he has been a good defender,” the manager said. “I realize the numbers suggest that you struggle one way or the other, but we absolutely believe he can hold down second base and be a good defender.”
