MLB insider Mark Feinsand links Twins to Tigers free agent Gleyber Torres
MLB insider Mark Feinsand wrote an article titled "Who will drive the free-agent market? Top 30 names to eye," and named the Minnesota Twins as a potential fit for three-time All-Star second baseman Gleyber Torres, who signed a one-year deal worth $15 million with the Detroit Tigers last offseason after seven seasons with the New York Yankees. Torres made the American League All-Star team twice with the Yankees (2018-19) and once with the Tigers (2025).
Suppose the Twins end up signing Torres, who Spotrac projects to receive a four-year deal worth $54.7 million this offseason. In that case, Luke Keaschall will likely become Minnesota's primary first baseman while Torres plays second base the majority of the time. Kody Clemens can also play first and second base when needed.
Torres has had an interesting career. The Chicago Cubs traded him to the Yankees in 2016 along with three other players in exchange for legendary closer Aroldis Chapman, who reunited with the Yankees after helping the Cubs win the World Series. Torres made his MLB debut with New York in 2018, posting 3.4 bWAR and a .271/.340/.480 (122 OPS+) slash line with 24 homers and 77 doubles en route to finishing third in American League Rookie of the Year voting. After another strong season in 2019, Torres regressed by having a 103 OPS+ in 43 games during 2020 and posting just 0.7 bWAR over 127 games in 2021. Torres bounced back the following two years, worth 4.1 bWAR in 2022 and 2.9 bWAR in 2023, before having a below-average 2024 season (1.8 bWAR & 102 OPS+).
Since 2024 was the last year on Torres' rookie contract with New York, the second baseman decided to bet on himself by signing his one-year deal with Detroit. It worked out for the ex-Yankee, as Torres made his third All-Star appearance and was worth 2.9 bWAR with a solid .256/.358/.387 (108 OPS+) batting line. Because of his gamble, Torres should be able to sign a multi-year deal this offseason that's worth a lot more than the multi-year contracts he was offered last offseason.