There are many reasons why some players around Major League Baseball decide to take the qualifying offer.
While it hasn’t been seen a ton over the past few years, as it isn't always the best idea for certain players, it makes sense for a guy like Gleyber Torres, the former New York Yankees second baseman.
Torres was once a fan favorite during his time in New York, but that shifted during his final years due to some below-average play.
Unfortunately for Torres, the Yankees decided to go a different route, but he had a great year for the Tigers, who were also one of the best teams in Major League Baseball.
Regarding why he decided to take the one-year and about $22 million deal, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com gave some insight into his decision.
“Torres was an All-Star for the Tigers in 2025, but he struggled in the second half, slashing.229/.331/.339 with seven home runs in 73 games over the final three months of the season. Having the QO attached to him would have hurt his market, but now he can go back into free agency next year without one,” he wrote.
Why QO's are tricky
Having that qualifying offer attached to a player in free agency is never ideal, as teams would lose a draft pick if they decided to sign him.
Obviously, that doesn't always mean everything, but it's also a factor that has to be considered in all of these situations.
Torres should have a better market next winter, barring what it might look like with the expected lockout approaching.
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