Gleyber Torres’ time in New York has officially come to an end after the former Yankees second baseman came to an agreement on a one-year, $15 million deal with the Detroit Tigers on Friday.
Torres, 28, shared an emotional goodbye to the team that he’s been with since he was traded the Yankees as a prospect by the Chicago Cubs.
“Thank you,” Torres wrote on Instagram. “The Yankees were my family since 2016. A simple boy from Venezuela with great aspirations to play in the most epic city in the world, the Yankees gave me all the love and support I needed to achieve my childhood dream. Wearing pinstripes was an honor for me and my family.
“To the entire organization, coaches and all of the game day staff, thank you. You taught me so much on and off the field, even the little things, and I will always have them in my heart. Yankee Fans, thank you for the everything. Thank you for the unconditional support, you were always there to motivate me when I had good times and, not so good times.
“My teammates, I love you all. Thank you for the great experiences and trust, allowing me to compete with you for the same purpose since day 1. You will always be with me.”
Torres started the 2024 season in the leadoff spot for the Yankees before ultimately getting bumped down in the lineup in favor of Anthony Volpe. The second baseman hit .257 with a .709 OPS, 15 home runs and 63 RBI in 154 games. His numbers were marred by an early season slump, and from mid-August — when he earned back his leadoff spot — until the end of the end of the season, he hit .313/.386/.454.
Torres made his major league debut in 2018 and has spent all seven years of his career in New York. He broke out in 2019 with career-highs in home runs (38) and OPS+ (128), but he has since been a frustrating player for his inconsistencies, mental lapses and poor fielding. He has a 107 OPS+ since 2019.
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