Angels Dodged a Bullet as Yankees Free Agent Signs with Tigers
The Los Angeles Angels are actively searching for infield reinforcements and have been exploring various options to bolster their roster. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi had previously linked the team to Gleyber Torres, the former New York Yankees second baseman. However, Torres has now signed a one-year deal worth $15 million with the Detroit Tigers, where he will take over as their everyday second baseman, teaming up with either Javier Báez or Trey Sweeney to cover the middle infield.
Both the Angels and the Toronto Blue Jays were reportedly interested in Torres. However, the Blue Jays quickly pivoted, acquiring Andrés Gimenez through a trade, leaving the Angels as the primary contender for Torres. This shift stirred up considerable discussion among Angels fans, who were weighing the potential benefits of adding the struggling infielder to their roster.
Despite his history with the Yankees, Torres is not widely regarded as a highly desirable player. Last season, he struggled significantly defensively, particularly during the first half of the season. He is known for being slow on the base paths and is considered a poor baserunner, a trait shared by many of his former Yankees teammates. Additionally, Torres’ arm is considered weak, and he regressed offensively, moving away from his previous power-hitting form to become more of a singles hitter. His performance in a contract year was disappointing, as he failed to live up to expectations, especially after a solid showing in the ALCS against Cleveland. His underperformance in the World Series left a sour taste for many Yankees fans. Angels general manager Perry Minasian is known for prioritizing a player’s character and work ethic, and Torres’ reputation for being difficult to manage may have played a role in the team’s decision not to pursue him aggressively. Torres’ reluctance to shift to third base, despite poor metrics at second base, further highlighted his stubbornness.
Despite the relatively modest one-year contract offered by the Tigers, the Angels were never fully convinced by Torres’ fit for their team. Fans, in particular, had other preferences for second base options. Many were more excited about internal prospects like Luis Rengifo, despite his mixed peripherals. Others are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see Hye-Seong Kim or Ha-Seong Kim in an Angels uniform. Additionally, the team has high hopes for Christian Moore, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, who could potentially make his debut soon. Moore, whose potential is often compared to Zach Neto—drafted 13th overall by the Angels in 2022—is seen as a future cornerstone of the team, especially if both players are able to form a dynamic double-play duo in the near future.