Yankees' current playoff star could be smart free agency target for Tigers

During his first offseason presser after the Tigers' exit from the ALDS, Scott Harris said what Tigers fans have been dreaming of hearing for years. When asked if he would have the money to chase after any free agent the front office desires, he answered simply: "Yes."

He also identified two specific targets for the team, pitching and a righty bat. The Tigers still need at least two starters, and there are some big names out there — Corbin Burnes, maybe Blake Snell, Yusei Kikuchi — and that righty bat is also going to need some pop.

A couple of free agent options have already been identified as potential fits: Pete Alonso, Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman. But there's a decent position player market this year and a lot of other players who might come a little cheaper.

A current Yankee could be a prime candidate. Gleyber Torres, who found new life when the Yankees moved him into their leadoff spot in August and went 3-for-5 in Game 2 of the ALCS against the Guardians, will be a free agent soon enough.

Yankees' Gleyber Torres could be the answer for the Tigers' powerful righty bat problems

During the bottom of the seventh on Tuesday night, Torres hit a leadoff single against Guardians reliever Hunter Gaddis — one of four of Cleveland's unhittable bullpen core — which put a man on to set the stage for Aaron Judge to hit his first postseason home run since Game 5 of the ALDS in 2022.

Torres has lost a lot of good will in New York since his first two years in the majors, both All-Star seasons during which he also garnered Rookie of the Year and MVP votes. Gone are the days when he could hit almost 40 home runs (he only hit 15 this year), and his slugging was way down this year, but his .800 OPS in 2023 isn't that far behind him. Most Yankees fans want him gone, and he definitely won't be as expensive as Alonso, Bellinger, or Bregman.

In his last year of arbitration, he settled of $14.2 million for 2024 and probably shouldn't expect that much more elsewhere after what's been one of his worst hitting years.

But Torres has experienced a renaissance over the last two months and he's still only 27 years old. There is a fit issue, however: he prefers to play second base, which is occupied by Colt Keith, who just received a contract extension before the 2024 season started. But if the Tigers keep their always-moving infield moving, or entrust Kerry Carpenter with a more regular outfield role to put Torres at DH, it could work. Not to mention, Torres has plenty of shortstop experience (though a bit underwhelming) and some have speculated a future move to third base for him as he ages out of second.

It might require unnecessary roster gymnastics, but AJ Hinch just showed an uncanny ability to plug various guys in all over the place. Perhaps this could be a Plan B of sorts if the Tigers don't get the first or third baseman of their choosing.