The Detroit Tigers are going all in for the 2026 MLB season in what could potentially be left‑handed ace Tarik Skubal’s final year with the organization. The franchise had an active offseason, bolstering the roster to ensure it is loaded with talent across both the pitching staff and the batting lineup.
That included re‑signing second baseman Gleyber Torres to remain up the middle. Torres accepted the one‑year, $22 million qualifying offer in November to play a second season in Detroit. Even if he had declined it, it is likely the Tigers would have remained interested in a reunion.
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The 28‑year‑old delivered a strong first season with the organization, posting a .256 batting average, .358 on‑base percentage, .745 OPS, 16 home runs and 74 RBIs across 145 games. Torres also improved defensively and earned his third career All‑Star selection.
Detroit Tigers second base Gleyber Torres (25)© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
As a result of his successful season, Torres was invited to suit up for Team Venezuela at the World Baseball Classic, where he spent the past two weeks instead of being in camp with the Tigers.
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It was a memorable tournament for Torres, who helped Venezuela win the gold medal on Tuesday after defeating the United States. He collected four hits and one RBI across six appearances.
However, with the tournament concluding earlier this week, Torres still had not traveled back to camp, a notable absence with Opening Day just one week away and valuable reps still needed.
Fortunately, an update emerged Friday confirming that he had made his way back to spring training. Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reported, “Gleyber Torres is back from the WBC and rocking his Team Venezuela jersey in pregame drills.”
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Torres is hoping he can find similar success this year in Detroit, where his veteran presence will continue to be valued. His career before joining the Tigers was eventful. He debuted in 2018 for the New York Yankees and had an electric start to his seven‑year tenure in the Bronx, earning back‑to‑back All‑Star selections and looking like a future superstar.
He never quite recaptured that early success, leading to his exit last winter when New York chose not to offer a contract. Fortunately for Torres, he has found new life in Detroit, and the Tigers are counting on him to help anchor a roster built to contend right now.
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Related: Tigers’ Tarik Skubal Leaves Spring Training for World Baseball Classic
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.