MAJOR-NEWS: Gleyber Torres Pens Emotional Farewell To Yankees, Fans After Signing With Tigers.

Gleyber Torres experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during his seven seasons with the New York Yankees, facing both incredible highs and crushing lows. Acquired in the 2016 Aroldis Chapman trade, Torres quickly became one of the brightest stars of the Baby Bombers, a key young piece in the Yankees’ rebuilding efforts after years of underperformance.

For a time, it seemed like he was living up to the hype. In his first two MLB seasons, Torres hit 62 home runs and posted an .849 OPS, establishing himself as one of the top young middle infielders in the game and a clutch postseason performer for New York.

However, Torres’ journey took a downturn in 2020 and 2021, as he struggled at the plate. Despite rebounding offensively, his defense and base-running suffered, even after the Yankees moved him from shortstop to second base. Torres was one of the team’s best hitters during its 2024 postseason run, but his mistakes in the field and on the bases eventually led to Yankees GM Brian Cashman openly stating his desire to move in a new direction this offseason.

Given the difficult end to his time with the Yankees, it’s understandable if Torres was relieved by the news that he was signing a one-year, $15 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. No more criticism from his GM, no more fan backlash after an error, and no more comparisons to his former self. However, instead of celebrating his departure, Torres chose to take the high road.

After the deal was announced, Torres shared a highlight reel from his time in New York on X, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the excitement of the Baby Bombers’ early days. Although his time with the Yankees ended without a World Series title—just one AL pennant—he shared a heartfelt message with fans.

“Wow, where to start or how to start,” Torres wrote. “Thank you. The Yankees were my family since 2016. A simple boy from Venezuela with great aspirations to play in the most epic city in the world, the Yankees gave me all the love and support I needed to achieve my childhood dream.

“Wearing pinstripes was an honor for me and my family.”