Tigers need to find way to keep free-agent bargain

Second baseman Gleyber Torres signed a one-year, $15M contract with the Detroit Tigers ahead of the 2025 season, betting on himself that he would be able to get a larger deal next offseason. 

Suffice to say, that contract has worked out for both sides.

Torres has been one of the best players for the Tigers over the first half of the season. He entered Monday with a .282/.390/.421 batting line in 372 plate appearances, hitting nine homers and 16 doubles. Torres is showing better plate discipline than he has in his career, with a career-best 14.5% walk rate and a 12.9% strikeout rate.

Hitting in either the first or second spot in the lineup for all but two games this season, Torres has been a catalyst for the Tigers. Detroit entered Monday with 485 runs scored, sixth-most in the majors. Torres' ability to get on base has led to a career year for outfielder Riley Greene, whose 79 RBI rank third in the AL.

This performance also means that Torres will cash in during his upcoming free agency. He would arguably be the best second baseman available, even if the Tigers extend a qualifying offer. Torres' one-year contract gamble will pay off unless he falls apart over the final two months of the season.

Torres' performance also shows why the Tigers need to keep him. Infield prospects Trey Sweeney and Jace Jung have not lived up to their top-prospect billing. Infielder Colt Keith has seen action at first, second and third and may be more valuable as a super utility man. 

Torres, at 28 years old, is just entering his hypothetical prime and has solidified second base for the Tigers. He has proven his worth in Detroit; now it is time for the Tigers to keep him for the long haul.