The Yankees’ offseason has been painfully quiet, leaving fans frustrated about corner depth. But they just dropped a surprise move that’s getting everyone talking: Mexican League MVP Nick Torres is heading to the Bronx.
Who Is Nick Torres?
Here’s the thing: most Yankees fans had never heard of Nick Torres until this week. The 32-year-old right-handed slugger just wrapped up an absolute monster season south of the border, and now he’s getting his shot with baseball’s most storied franchise.
Torres completely dominated the Mexican League in 2025 with Algodoneros Unión Laguna. We’re talking video-game numbers: a .347 batting average, .425 on-base percentage, and a ridiculous .730 slugging percentage. He crushed 27 home runs and drove in 79 runs in just 86 games. His 1.155 OPS led the entire league.
Think about that for a second-those are numbers that turn heads no matter where you’re playing.
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The Backstory Makes It Even Better
Torres was actually drafted by the Padres back in 2014 and climbed all the way to Triple-A. But he never got that big-league call-up, and by 2018, he was out of affiliated baseball. Most players would’ve hung up the cleats. Not Torres.
He has been a fixture in the Mexican League since returning there after 2018, and — by one common statline cited in coverage – since 2021 he has hit .343 with a 1.025 OPS in Mexican League play. That sustained production is a big reason he won the 2025 MVP.
Torres said he had largely rebuilt his career in Mexico and that the MVP year opened the door to another opportunity in affiliated ball.
What This Means for the Yankees
Let’s be real-this is a minor league deal with a spring training invitation. Torres isn’t walking into a starting job. But here’s why this move is smarter than it looks.
The Yankees desperately need corner outfield and first base depth. With Cody Bellinger still unsigned and questions surrounding Spencer Jones and Jasson Domínguez, Torres gives them another right-handed power bat who can play multiple positions.
If he comes into camp swinging a hot bat, suddenly the Yankees have options. Best case? He forces his way onto the bench as a right-handed power threat. Middle case? He’s quality depth at Triple-A, ready for call-ups. Worst case? He doesn’t adjust to MLB pitching and stays in organizational depth.
Why Fans Shouldn’t Sleep on This
Mexican League success doesn’t always translate to MLB production-let’s be honest about that. The ballparks play differently, the pitching is a step below, and Torres hasn’t faced big-league arms in years.
But the Yankees aren’t risking anything here. Zero commitment, maximum upside. If his bat is even remotely close to what he showed in Mexico, he could be the kind of under-the-radar move that pays huge dividends in September when rosters expand, and injuries pile up.
Watch spring training. If Torres is crushing Grapefruit League pitching, the conversation changes fast. And at 32, he’s hungry for what might be his only real shot at The Show.
Vikas Tiwari, writer and editor focused on Yankees news, rumors, trade updates, and game coverage, emphasizing accuracy, sourcing, and clarity.
