The New York Yankees chose not to extend a qualifying offer to Gleyber Torres, leading many to believe the team would not retain the infielder.
Gleyber Torres fell short of expectations during his time with the Yankees and entered free agency. However, MLB insider Jon Heyman of *The New York Post* reports that the team hasn’t ruled out the possibility of re-signing him.
According to Jon Heyman, “The Yankees are allowing Gleyber Torres to explore his options but might revisit him later based on what he discovers.”
Torres finished a one-year, $14.2 million contract with the Yankees, serving as the starting second baseman and contributing offensively to the lineup.
The 27-year-old posted a .257 batting average with 15 home runs and 63 RBIs for the Yankees in 2024. Over his MLB career, he has a .265 average with 138 home runs and 441 RBIs.
Torres Open to Returning to the Yankees
Although Gleyber Torres did not receive a qualifying offer and his time with the Yankees seemed to be over, he remains open to the possibility of returning to the Bronx.
“I’ve been here since 2018, and I’ve built a life with my family here,” Torres shared. “I know everyone in the organization, but at the end of the day, this is a business, and it’s out of my hands. We’ll see how things unfold in the coming months.”
At the GM meetings, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman expressed little enthusiasm about the prospect of re-signing Torres.
“I’m not going to break down his strengths and weaknesses,” Cashman said. “He’ll have plenty of conversations with teams needing a player like him, and that could include us—who knows? We do appreciate his contributions during his time here.”
If the Yankees decide not to re-sign Torres, they will likely pursue a second baseman in free agency, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding DJ LeMahieu’s future with the team.
What is Torres Expected to Get in Free Agency?
Torres is anticipated to sign a short-term contract in free agency with the goal of rebuilding his value.
“Torres has been a prominent figure for years,” the article stated. “He was a top prospect in the Cubs’ system before the Yankees acquired him in the Aroldis Chapman trade. Torres made his debut at 21 in 2018, earning an All-Star selection. He followed that with a 38-homer season during the 2019 juiced-ball era, establishing himself as one of the game’s most influential middle infielders.”
“He hasn’t quite maintained that peak performance, although he’s still a solid hitter,” the article continued. “Torres hit over 20 home runs in both 2022 and 2023. The Yankees had moved him off shortstop, but he remains one of the league’s more product”The idea of a three-year deal isn’t out of the question, and there’s a slim chance he could land a four-year contract,” the article noted. “However, he’s entering the market after a season that didn’t quite live up to expectations. Torres may opt for a one- or two-year deal with an opt-out clause, giving him the chance to test the market again at age 29.”ive offensive second basemen. Had he posted another 25-homer season in his walk year, he would likely be in line for a four- or five-year deal.”
If Torres signs a one- or two-year contract, he could re-enter free agency before turning 30, which is the prediction made by MLBTradeRumors.
“The idea of a three-year deal isn’t out of the question, and there’s a slim chance he could land a four-year contract,” the article noted. “However, he’s entering the market after a season that didn’t quite live up to expectations. Torres may opt for a one- or two-year deal with an opt-out clause, giving him the chance to test the market again at age 29.”
Torres earned MLB All-Star honors in both 2018 and 2019, showcasing his early career excellence.
