Gleyber Torres Thriving in 2024
Atlanta – It’s a blast from the past—Manager Aaron Boone has slotted Gleyber Torres as his leadoff hitter, just like he did in that exciting second half of 2024 and during the postseason.
Though the context has shifted. New stadium, different circumstances, and, of course, fresh uniforms. Torres has made a mark, landing at the top of the American League batting orders. It felt right, especially after he improved his plate discipline towards the end of last season.
His .387 on-base percentage places him sixth in the entire league among qualified players. To say he’s been a tough opponent is an understatement.
Some might argue that following last season’s ups and downs, Torres could benefit from a fresh start away from the Yankees. Yet, he seems to think differently.
“It just happened at the right time,” Torres mentioned before the upcoming All-Star Game at Truist Park. “God always has a plan, and that’s my plan now.”
His outlook for this year contrasts sharply with the previous one. The beginning of 2024 was rocky, posting a .654 OPS while approaching a crucial free agency year.
However, as Boone reinstated him to the top of the lineup, Torres began to showcase more patience and power, supporting teammates like Soto and Judge. An interesting twist happened when Jazz Chisholm Jr. arrived, which required Torres to adapt to some new roles in real time.
Though he performed decently during the postseason, there’s that infamous Game 1 in the World Series, where a mishap allowed a crucial run. “No matter what happened last year, it’s in the past. I know what kind of player I am,” Torres stated confidently.
He hasn’t matched his 38-home run season in 2019, but hitting nine home runs in 84 games before the break is a step in the right direction. He’s held a steady position in the Tigers’ lineup, contributing to their strong performance in the AL.
“Consistent quality attacks—the guy really controls the zone,” shared his teammate, All-Star right Casey Mize. “He brings stability. He’s a great player. I think a lot of him. He was huge for us.”
This season is more in line with what Torres had envisioned after enduring struggles last year before entering the open market.
He received longer-term offers exceeding the Tigers’ one-year $15 million deal but opted to take a chance on himself for potentially greater rewards in the offseason. So far, that gamble seems to be paying off, with Boone lauding Torres’s “outstanding” performance.
“I really believe in myself every time,” Torres said. “No matter what’s happening at the moment.”
The Yankees might miss his skills, especially since the recent fit on the team—Chisholm’s repeated adjustments—hasn’t been seamless.
A midseason reunion allowed Torres to catch up with Judge and other former teammates and coaches. “I’ve had a really good relationship with them,” he reflected about the Yankees. “Seeing everyone, Boone, all the coaches—it’s really special. They helped me grow so much. …It’s fun. It’s another opportunity to play together.”
