WASHINGTON — When the Detroit Tigers signed Gleyber Torres on a one-year deal to be their second baseman, they knew he’d be the starting All-Star at his position. They could say that, right?
How would anyone outside know?
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“We expected him to be the starting All-Star second baseman for the American League,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Thursday, July 3. “We knew it all the way.”
He smiled. And paused, to let the improbability sink in. Then continued:
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (25) hits the ball into play against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning of Game 2 of a split doubleheader at Nationals Park in Washington on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
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“But seriously, we did feel like we were getting a good player at a good time and (we’d) be able to get a good performance out of him.”
But this? The best second baseman in the American League? The leader at his position in on-base percentage? Second in OPS? Second in batting average and RBIs? A career high in walks so far?
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Nah, of course the Tigers didn’t know. Even Torres didn’t know. He did know enough to gamble that he’d find his way back to All-Star form, though. That one-year, $15 million contract he signed? He’ll add to it significantly next year if the second half of the season plays out like the first half just did.
“The way it played out is obviously special for him and special for us,” Hinch said. “Because he bet on himself. Came in on a one-year deal to a young team as a veteran presence. We had to move some people around to accommodate that. So, I think both parties worked hard to establish this relationship, where he trusted us and felt like we were going to get something by giving him the opportunity.”
Really, really special is the phrase Torres used Thursday to describe his resurgence and the All-Star nod.
Really, really happy. It was really special.
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“Means a lot,” he said Thursday. “I feel real proud because Detroit fans (are) really showing up. (It’s been an) opportunity to play with a special team. I really enjoy having (Javier) Báez and (Riley Greene) go with me. Hopefully more people can come later.”
Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene (31) celebrates with second baseman Gleyber Torres (25) and right fielder Wenceel Perez (46) after hitting the second of two three-run home runs against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning of a split doubleheader at Nationals Park in Washington on July 2, 2025.
Torres didn’t know much about Detroit when he signed to join the Tigers. He knew a little about the Lions, the “hockey team,” and the run the Tigers made last fall. But he has loved what he has learned.
As for the future? He isn’t worried about next season. He’s focused on this season.
“(We have to) keep doing the right work for the second half because as a team we have to finish strong,” Torres said.
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Hinch agreed.
“His performance has been exceptional,” he said.
And yet?
“He still has ways that he can get better and we are going to continue to push him,” Hinch said.
Contact Shawn Windsor: swindsor@freepress.com. Follow him @shawnwindsor.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers Gleyber Torres MLB All-Star nod pays off big bet