The Detroit Tigers have one of the best free agent signings from the 2025 offseason on their roster. He's been an incredible boon for the team's on-field production and clubhouse direction.
That player is Gleyber Torres. But, with his success this season, it presents a difficult decision the team will have to make come the 2026 offseason. Brad Wakai of Sports Illustrated pointed out why the Tigers are facing such a difficult decision with Torres after the 2025 season.
"They have been burned in the past by handing a player a monster contract coming off a solid stretch of play (Javier Baez)." Wakai wrote. "And with Colt Keith already locked up to a long-term extension and Tarik Skubal in line for a potentially historic deal himself, there's a chance Torres might not be in their future plans."
While the theory behind letting Torres walk makes sense, with the looming Skubal deal and Keith's presence, there is another side to things. Detroit also has to think about what losing him would mean to the team.
"Letting an impactful player on the field and in the clubhouse leave could cause some issues going forward," Wakai writes, "Which is the last thing the Tigers need at this stage of their rebuild, where it looks like they are finally coming out on the other side."
The point Wakai makes is clear: the Tigers are between a rock and a hard place when it comes to a Torres extension. While he's been a huge help this season and is a great clubhouse presence, the roster construction doesn't have the flexibility to keep him on the team.
However, while there are concerns over whether to keep him or not, the Tigers should focus on getting the most out of him in 2025. He's been great and is projected to be the starting second baseman in the All-Star game.
Torres has been a huge reason for Detroit's success this season, and he has them in great shape to earn a bye come the postseason. While the decision will be tough, for now, the Tigers and Torres are looking to make a deep postseason run.
And who knows, if he puts together a solid run in the postseason, the Tigers might not have any choice but to bring him back.