Gleyber Torres Weighs Tigers’ $22M Qualifying Offer Amid Free-Agent Interest

The Detroit Tigers have extended a $22.025 million qualifying offer to infielder Gleyber Torres, giving the three-time All-Star a critical choice in his offseason plans. If Torres accepts, he would return to Detroit on a one-year deal for 2026. If not, he’ll enter free agency, where a longer, more secure contract could await — possibly even with the Tigers themselves.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Torres and his representatives are actively gauging interest from teams regarding multi-year deals before making a final decision on the Tigers’ offer. “Accepting the QO is still under consideration,” Morosi noted Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter. The report signals that Torres’ camp is testing the market to determine whether long-term security outweighs the immediate payout of a qualifying offer.

For Detroit, the outcome will have significant implications. Torres, acquired to bolster the middle infield and add consistent offensive production, played a key role in the team’s 2025 campaign. His combination of experience and versatility makes him one of the top infielders available this winter, even amid uncertainty about his short-term health.

The Tigers have made clear their interest in keeping him, but the market will likely dictate the next step. If Torres believes multiple years of stability are on the table elsewhere, the 28-year-old could look beyond Detroit for his next chapter.

1. Surgery and Market Impact

Torres’ decision comes as he prepares for hernia surgery, a procedure expected to draw attention from potential suitors but not deter serious interest. The operation, while minor compared to other offseason procedures, introduces a layer of caution for front offices considering long-term commitments. Still, most reports suggest the recovery timeline won’t interfere with his readiness for spring training. Medical considerations aside, Torres remains one of the most durable and productive infielders in recent seasons. He appeared in 148 games in 2025, showcasing both reliability and leadership on a young Tigers roster. Teams will weigh that track record against his surgery and second-half struggles before extending major offers. Scouts and executives often view such procedures as maintenance rather than red flags — especially for veterans entering their prime. If Torres demonstrates a full recovery by early workouts, his market value should remain strong. For Detroit, the timing of the surgery complicates negotiations slightly. While the team values his presence and production, committing beyond 2026 could hinge on medical reassurances and his own willingness to structure a deal that balances risk and reward.

2. Balancing Risk and Reward

Statistically, Torres’ 2025 season was solid, if uneven. He hit .256 with 16 home runs, 61 RBIs, and a .745 OPS — earning his third career All-Star selection. Yet his September slump, in which he batted just .200, raised questions about consistency down the stretch. For teams looking to invest long-term, those late-season numbers could temper initial enthusiasm. That said, Torres remains one of the better middle infield bats on the market. His on-base skills and defensive reliability make him a dependable everyday option. The choice now facing him is strategic: accept the Tigers’ one-year offer, reestablish top form post-surgery, and test the market again next winter — or lock in financial stability now with a multi-year deal, even if the annual value comes slightly lower. The one-year path offers a potential reward if he bounces back with a stronger season. But it also carries risk — another injury or down year could hurt his earning power heading into his age-29 season. Meanwhile, a multi-year deal provides security but less flexibility to capitalize on future market surges. Torres’ camp appears to be weighing both carefully. Detroit’s front office, meanwhile, continues to monitor the situation, prepared either to welcome him back or pivot should he find a longer deal elsewhere.

3. What Comes Next

With the qualifying offer deadline approaching, Torres’ decision is expected soon. If he accepts, the Tigers retain a proven infielder on a short-term commitment while maintaining payroll flexibility. If he declines, Detroit would receive draft-pick compensation should he sign elsewhere — a valuable fallback in today’s market. For Torres, the decision will likely hinge on whether teams present firm multi-year offers in the coming days. The hernia surgery and late-season dip may limit his leverage, but his résumé and age still position him as a top-tier infield target for several contenders. Detroit’s front office faces its own set of contingencies. If Torres departs, the Tigers could use the freed-up salary space to explore alternative infield options via trade or free agency. Retaining him, however, would allow the club to build continuity and maintain a veteran core alongside its emerging young talent. Ultimately, Torres’ choice will shape both his career trajectory and Detroit’s offseason plans. Whether he opts for security or a one-year bet on himself, his decision will be among the first major dominoes in this winter’s free-agent market.