Tigers’ Key Free Agent Open to Return After Breakout Season

The Detroit Tigers’ 2024 season ended in a marathon 15-inning playoff battle. They fell just one win short of reaching their first American League Championship Series since 2013.

The pitching staff—especially ace Tarik Skubal—delivered another masterclass on the mound. But the offense sputtered at the worst possible moment.

Outside of breakout slugger Kerry Carpenter, Detroit’s bats went quiet in clutch spots. This recurring weakness is going to shape the team’s offseason decisions, no doubt about it.

One big storyline? The future of second baseman Gleyber Torres. He played through a significant injury but still managed to stay among the club’s most reliable contributors.

Offense Falters as Pitching Shines

Detroit’s elimination game showed just how lopsided things got between their dominant pitching and inconsistent offense. Tarik Skubal proved again why he’s one of the American League’s top arms, keeping hitters off balance deep into the game.

But in a contest that dragged on for 15 innings, Detroit let too many chances slip away. The bats just didn’t come through when it mattered most.

Kerry Carpenter Stands Alone Among Key Hitters

Carpenter kept his hot streak alive at the plate. Unfortunately, the rest of the lineup struggled to deliver in big postseason moments.

The Tigers couldn’t string together enough quality at-bats or drive runners home. For a team that’s been slowly building toward contention, the lack of offensive firepower stands out as the most urgent fix.

Gleyber Torres Plays Through Pain

One of the more remarkable stories from this playoff run? Gleyber Torres. The All-Star second baseman revealed after the game that he’d been battling a sports hernia for the past month.

He’ll need surgery in the offseason. Despite the pain and limited mobility, Torres put up steady numbers all year.

Season Highlights and Statistical Impact

Torres finished with a .256/.358/.387 slash line, along with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs over 145 games. That’s a solid 2.9 bWAR, showing his value on both sides of the ball.

His consistency earned him a starting spot in the All-Star Game. That says a lot about how important he was in Detroit’s lineup during his debut season with the club.

The Free Agency Question

Now that the Tigers’ season is over, the next chapter for Torres is up in the air. He’s a free agent, and it sounds like there’s mutual interest in a reunion.

Torres has said he’d like to return. The organization seems open to it, too.

Market Value Could Be Influenced by Injury

Injuries can really complicate free agency. Torres’ sports hernia and late-season slump might cool his market a bit, maybe even enough for Detroit to keep him at a reasonable price.

For a team that doesn’t want to lose a proven middle infielder, this could be a lucky break.

Potential Contract Scenarios

If the two sides can agree on terms, a short-term deal might make the most sense. Something in the two-to-three-year range could give both sides some stability without tying anyone down for too long.

That would let Torres rehab, get back to his best, and keep helping Detroit chase another playoff run. Feels like the right move, but we’ll see how the offseason unfolds.

Building on a Foundation

The Tigers’ 2024 run showed they can hang in October, but it also exposed some real gaps. Keeping Torres means Detroit holds onto a steady, adaptable bat, and lets the front office look for more offensive depth around him.

Detroit’s offseason plan looks something like this:

• Keep the pitching staff strong, with Tarik Skubal leading the way.
• Add more reliable hitters beyond Kerry Carpenter.
• Make a quick decision about Gleyber Torres to shape the roster.
• Go after veteran bats—whether that’s through free agency or trades.

Fans are still feeling that 15-inning loss, and honestly, who wouldn’t? But this young roster’s grit—plus a core that genuinely wants to stick together—suggests Detroit’s climb back to relevance isn’t just wishful thinking.

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Here is the source article for this story: Tigers Critical Free Agent Signing Interested in Returning After Huge Season