The Detroit Tigers made their intentions clear early this offseason: they wanted Gleyber Torres back in the fold for 2026. And they got their man, locking him in with a one-year qualifying offer worth $22.025 million. It’s a big number for a second baseman, no doubt-but Detroit clearly believes Torres is worth the investment.
Coming off a solid campaign, Torres gave the Tigers consistency in the middle infield. He appeared in 145 games, slashing .256/.358/.387 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs.
Those aren’t MVP-level numbers, but they’re dependable, and in a lineup that struggled at times to generate offense, Torres was a steady contributor. He brings a blend of patience at the plate and pop that’s not easy to find at second base.
But here’s where the conversation gets interesting. With $22 million committed to Torres, some around the league are wondering if Detroit missed an opportunity to make a bigger splash elsewhere-specifically at third base. One name that continues to hover around Tigers rumors is Alex Bregman.
Bregman, who just wrapped up a productive season with the Boston Red Sox-.273/.360/.462 with 18 homers and 62 RBIs in 114 games-was reportedly on Detroit’s radar last offseason. The fit makes sense. He’s a proven bat with postseason pedigree and would provide a major upgrade at the hot corner, a position where the Tigers could use more production heading into 2026.
The question now is whether Detroit still has the financial flexibility to pursue a player like Bregman. If they do, Torres’ deal becomes part of a larger puzzle-one piece in a broader strategy to build a competitive roster. If they don’t, then the $22 million tied to Torres could become a flashpoint for criticism, especially if the team struggles to find offensive firepower elsewhere.
This isn’t a knock on Torres. He’s a valuable player and a known quantity in the Tigers’ clubhouse. But in an offseason where every dollar counts and impact bats are at a premium, Detroit’s decision to lock in that qualifying offer will be scrutinized depending on what comes next.
For now, the Tigers have secured their second baseman. Whether they can still swing big at third base-or if this move ends up limiting their options-will be one of the key storylines to watch as the offseason unfolds.