Gleyber Torres was an infielder who the New York Yankees showed little interest in re-signing.

Although he served as the Yankees’ starting second baseman, Torres did not receive a qualifying offer from the team. Once he became a free agent, offers started coming in, and he eventually signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.

Torres stated that the Yankees never reached out to him or made a contract offer, as they were aware he wouldn’t be returning to New York.

“I received numerous phone calls from other teams after the World Series, so I just concentrated on getting an opportunity somewhere else,” Torres remarked. “I just want to be available to give the team my best effort, and I feel like I have to play where someone wants to give me their best.” There, I have wonderful relationships and excellent connection with everyone in the organization. After seven years with the Yankees, I feel proud of myself, but I’m now with Detroit and am grateful that they gave me the chance to play next season. I don’t believe I’m on their list of priorities. I’m doing fine.

The fact that Torres, a starter for the team the previous season, was never even extended a contract offer by the Yankees is quite surprising. However, given that Torres ultimately signed with the Tigers, it seems New York intended to take a different approach.

In 2024 with the Yankees, Torres batted .257, hitting 15 home runs and driving in 63 RBIs.

Torres Gives the Yankees a Classy Thank You
Despite not receiving an offer from New York, Torres thanked the organization for everything in a sophisticated statement.

Torres wrote, “Wow, where do I begin or how do I begin?” “I’m grateful. Since 2016, the Yankees have become my family. The Yankees provided me with all the love and support I required to fulfill my childhood ambition of playing in the world’s most famous city. I was a humble guy from Venezuela with lofty goals. It was an honor for my family and me to wear pinstripes. Thank you to the coaches, the entire organization, and the full game day staff. I will always cherish the lessons you taught me, both on and off the field, even the small ones.

“Thank you for everything, Yankee fans. I appreciate your unwavering support; you never failed to inspire me throughout both my happy and sad moments. All of you, my teammates, are loved. I appreciate your faith and wonderful experiences, which have allowed me to compete with you for the same goal since day one. I shall always have you at my side. The message ended, “Thank you, New York Yankees.”

Torres was a member of the Yankees for portions of seven seasons. In 2018 and 2019, he was named an All-Star.

Who Will Fill the Second Base Spot for New York?

With Torres heading to the Tigers, the Yankees now have an open spot at second base.

If DJ LeMahieu is healthy, the team might shift him to third base, potentially moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second.

However, Alex Bregman, who could sign to play third base, has also been linked to the Yankees. Despite this, all signs point to Chisholm Jr. taking over as the Yankees’ second baseman in 2025.

To cover the void at third base, the Yankees are expected to sign a $28 million infielder.

One projection suggests that the New York Yankees will sign Ha-Seong Kim to address their third base vacancy.

Kim, who recently signed a four-year, $28 million contract with the San Diego Padres, is now a free agent. Known for his versatility across the infield, Kim could fill the open spot at third base, as Jazz Chisholm Jr. is likely to move to second.

Given this, YardBarker’s Colin Cerniglia forecasts that the Yankees will sign Kim in free agency to take over at third base.

“Kim’s defensive skills remain outstanding, and he posted an impressive 6.9 fWAR with the San Diego Padres in 2023–24. His versatility and defensive value are unmatched, even though his batting average (.242 career) is underwhelming. To address two needs at once, Cerniglia predicts that the Yankees will shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base and sign Kim to solidify their infield at third.

While Kim may not provide much offensively, he excels defensively, making him a sensible signing. Kim, who hit .233 with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs last season for the Padres, would likely be a bottom-of-the-order hitter.

What kind of deal will Kim secure in free agency?”

It’s unclear how healthy Kim will be to start the season because he had shoulder surgery that prevented him from playing in the playoffs.

Kim can play a variety of positions because he is a plus-defender at shortstop, second base, and third base. According to MLBTradeRumors’ free agent prediction post, Kim will sign a $12 million one-year contract in an attempt to increase his value by 2025.

According to the article, “if a team is confident in his medical prognosis, they may largely ignore the rehabilitation process and try to sign him long-term anyhow.” After their own notable injuries, Kim might also consider two-year contracts with opt-out options, similar to those of fellow Boras players Michael Conforto and Rhys Hoskins. However, there would be serious drawbacks for a signing team in such a trade. In the first seasons of their two-year contracts, Conforto and Hoskins were both anticipated to be ready for Opening Day.

The story went on to say that when asked when Kim would be ready for game action, Padres head of baseball operations A.J. Preller recently provided an approximate schedule of “May, June, July.” Kim has a wider range of contractual outcomes than the majority of free agents on this list. Furthermore, it is tough to pinpoint the precise course of action that is most likely because so much of it depends on how his shoulder recovers from its rehabilitation. Undoubtedly, a one-year contract that might include playing time-based incentives might open the door for a return to the open market the following year.

If New York chooses to give him a chance, Kim might make a comeback in the middle of the season and contribute to the Yankees’ squad once he is healthy.

DJ LeMahieu could be the Yankees’ starting third baseman.

If the Yankees choose not to sign Kim or another player, they might turn to LeMahieu for the role. Despite battling injuries over the past two seasons, MLB insider Jon Heyman reports that New York is expected to use LeMahieu at third base.

“Alex Bregman is adored by Yankees fans, but some wonder if Yankee Stadium is the proper place for him. Maybe they’re hoping DJ LeMahieu gets well so he can play third base,” Heyman wrote in his piece.

LeMahieu’s six-year, $90 million contract is about to enter its fifth year. LeMahieu hit.204 with two home runs and 26 RBIs in just 64 games in 2024.