Gleyber Torres' return has given Tigers something to seriously consider

Gleyber Torres' extended absence from the Detroit Tigers really had fans missing his top-of-the-lineup presence. The veteran second baseman hits, gets on base, and does a great job of setting the table. Though the Tigers went on a run at the start of June, Torres was still very much needed.

And with the trade deadline approaching, he's become a name frequently mentioned in speculation. Since he'll be a free agent after the 2026 season, should he be traded? The Tigers got by without him, so shouldn't they get value for him now and save some money?

If you're a believer in this Tigers core succeeding without Tarik Skubal in 2027 and beyond, then the questions above regarding Torres should be answered with a resounding "no." Detroit has a very young squad and stands to lose Skubal, Justin Verlander, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize and Jake Rogers this coming offseason. They'll need any affordable veteran presence they can get.

That's why extending Torres should be the larger consideration instead of a trade. The 29-year-old is playing under the $22 million qualifying offer, so we can assume a similar AAV will be required to retain him. The Tigers only have $85 million committed to their payroll next year, so this is a reasonable expenditure.

Tigers should once again be considering a Gleyber Torres extension as veteran makes his return

If fans are excited about Hao Yu Lee's progress and think Torres might hinder that, there's a way for AJ Hinch to make it all work. Torres can (and should) log more DH reps over time, which would allow the Tigers to exercise their defensive versatility on the infield with Lee, Kevin McGonigle, Colt Keith, Javy Báez and Zach McKinstry. Torres' presence hardly impacts that flexibility.

There's just no argument to part with Torres' on-base capabilities. He led the way with a .358 OBP last year among the everyday starters. Before coming off the IL, he was also leading the way this year with a .397 mark, but he's only played in 45 games (McGonigle was right behind him with a .390 mark in 99 games and then there's Riley Greene with a .375 OBP across his 101 contests). Regardless, the point still stands. Torres is an affordable asset who gets on base and can keep moving the offensive forward as new, younger pieces get introduced.

The fact of the matter is this: the Tigers don't need more prospects. On top of having three in the league's top 100, they already have McGonigle, Lee, Troy Melton, Jackson Jobe, Dillon Dingler and Colt Keith on the MLB roster. That is the group they are moving forward with. Sure, another pitcher or two would be great, but acquiring pitching prospects is hardly a guarantee for future success. They are among the most fungible assets out there.

If the Tigers extend Torres at a similar rate to his 2026 salary, it will guarantee them a key cog in their machine and open up spending opportunities elsewhere this coming offseason and next. Trading him (or letting him walk) makes them worse now and in the near future.

Not to mention, they have a bit of an opportunistic window after he suffered multiple injuries this year and with the lockout looming.

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