Gleyber Torres reflected on his early career while mentoring Detroit Tigers prospects during the team's Grapefruit League opener against the New York Yankees. The Tigers lost 20-3 but highlighted young talent like Kevin McGonigle partnering with Torres on defense and offense. Torres emphasized making newcomers feel part of the team.
In Tampa, Florida, Gleyber Torres experienced a sense of nostalgia ahead of the Detroit Tigers' Grapefruit League opener against his former team, the New York Yankees, at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Torres, who joined the Tigers last season, drew parallels to his own days as a top prospect by observing Kevin McGonigle (MLB Pipeline's No. 2 overall prospect) and Max Clark (No. 10 overall) in the clubhouse at Joker Marchant Stadium.
Torres recalled support from Yankees veterans during his rookie year. He was close to Didi Gregorius and Aaron Hicks, who treated him well despite his nerves. CC Sabathia advised, “Just play your game, don't worry about those rookie rules in the past. You're part of the team, just do your thing.” This guidance boosted his confidence.
During Saturday's game, which the Tigers lost 20-3, Torres started at second base with McGonigle at shortstop as his double-play partner. The pair executed a routine 4-6-3 double play in the first inning, aiding starter Keider Montero after a two-run start. McGonigle described it as “pretty cool” and appreciated turning it with Torres.
Offensively, McGonigle lined a single to left off a 100.5 mph fastball from Yankees prospect Carlos Lagrange, whom he had faced in Double-A Erie last July. He prepared by reviewing video of prior at-bats. Torres followed with a single up the middle on a 98.2 mph fastball, advancing McGonigle. After Colt Keith struck out, a wild pitch on strike three allowed McGonigle to score from second when catcher Ali Sánchez's throw sailed into left field. McGonigle admitted, “I kind of hesitated, which isn’t good. I should have seen that ball in the dirt and went right away.”
Torres aims to pay forward the mentorship he received. “I don't really talk a lot. I don't want to feel like the old guy,” he said, but added, “Whatever you need, just tell me.” He focuses on helping prospects feel comfortable on the big-league side. McGonigle praised Torres and Javier Báez: “Gleyber and [Javier] Báez have been nothing but great... it’s been really special to watch them and learn.”
Torres, who turns 30 in December, accepted the Tigers' qualifying offer on November 18 after offseason surgery for a sports hernia that affected his second half last year. “It was an easy choice to come back here,” he said, citing the organization's competitive drive and his comfort in Detroit.
