Gleyber Torres Faces Yankees as Tigers Star: Reflects on Past
UPDATE: Gleyber Torres steps onto the field at Yankee Stadium tonight, marking his first game against his former team as a member of the Detroit Tigers. The second baseman, who signed a one-year, $15 million contract with Detroit, is ready to prove himself against the organization that developed him.
Torres, who played for the Yankees for seven seasons, expressed no disappointment over New York’s decision not to retain him during free agency. “No, not really,” he stated. “I know it’s a business.” His focus now is on helping the Tigers, who are currently in first place, as they aim for a postseason push.
Entering the game on July 25, 2023, Torres has made a strong impact this season, batting .259 with 15 home runs and a .758 OPS in 128 games. His performance includes a remarkable .347 batting average with runners in scoring position and a career-high in walks, showcasing his adaptation to the Tigers’ aggressive baserunning philosophy.
After a tumultuous final season with the Yankees, including struggles in the field and inconsistency at the plate, Torres is finding his stride again. “I really loved playing in New York,” Torres reflected. “It was never pressure. It’s just frustration in the moment because I [didn’t] do my job.”
The Tigers’ emphasis on aggressive play has rejuvenated Torres’s career, allowing him to focus on improving his game without the mounting pressure he felt in New York. Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Torres’s growth, saying, “He’s such a good hitter. We started to see the maturity.”
As he steps up to the plate tonight, Torres is not only facing his past but also looking forward to a hopeful future with the Tigers. He aims to lead his new team back to the World Series, a feat he narrowly missed with the Yankees last year. “Whatever happened last year is in the past,” he said. “I always tried to do the best for the team and for the fans.”
With the spotlight on him tonight, fans and teammates alike will be watching closely as Torres seeks to continue his resurgence in a pivotal game for the Tigers. The stakes are high, and the journey is just beginning for this All-Star in a new uniform.
