Gleyber Torres breaks silence on Tigers decision

In the offseason, the Detroit Tigers signed former New York Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres to a one-year deal worth $15 million. It wasn't the largest move for the Tigers, but it has turned into a huge signing that has bolstered the Tigers into the top spot in baseball through the first half of the year.

Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press shared the story behind the free agency decision from Torres, and Torres revealed what led him to join the Tigers over anywhere else. Petzold reported that Torres called up Gio Urshela, the former Tigers infielder, about what it's like being a part of the Tigers organization.

"He explained everything to me," Torres said. "When you have a really good clubhouse that's young and together, I think that's a big difference. That's the conversation he had with me. That's why I picked Detroit."

Urshela and Torres' conversation was a huge reason for the Tigers hearing a positive response from Torres in free agency. He had other offers, of similar money, but the most important thing for Torres was being on a team that's competitive.

When he decided to join the Tigers, Torres was confident in his decision. "I really believed Detroit was the complete package," Torres said. "So I signed the deal."

Torres is the leading vote-getter for the AL starting second baseman spot, and he's having an incredible season. Through the first 68 games of his season in Detroit, Torres has 1.7 WAR and an .803 OPS.

Torres has 69 hits, 38 runs scored, 13 doubles, seven home runs, 38 RBIs, four stolen bases, 40 walks, and 36 strikeouts through the first half of the year for Detroit. The former Yankees two-time All-Star is getting back to his All-Star self.

Since joining the Tigers, things have gone very well for Torres. "What he told me is better in person," Torres said. "I'm glad I had that conversation with him."

While they aren't teammates in 2025, Urshela advising Torres has had such a positive impact on the Tigers and Torres. Detroit landed an All-Star caliber second baseman, while Torres went to a team he's fallen in love with.

Whenever Torres does something good on the field, Tigers fans can thank Urshela for helping push Torres to sign in Detroit. As he's on the cusp of being an All-Star for the third time in his career, Tigers fans will have plenty to thank Urshela for.