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Jim Bowden predicts Royals move for Gleyber Torres that could backfire

Please do don't this
ByBrian Burrows
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Sep 14, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (25) throws to first base to put out Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Andres Gimenez (not pictured) at first base during the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (25) throws to first base to put out Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Andres Gimenez (not pictured) at first base during the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Kansas City Royals are likely to have an active offseason. Despite a disappointing 2026 campaign, Kansas City has the bones of a good team and could fill a lot of holes this offseason. They will need to do so with the correct additions, though.

The Royals may be willing to increase payroll this offseason, but they shouldn't do so by just making any signing. KC has clear needs, and if they spend cash outside of those, they won't improve the way they hope to in 2027.

That's why the Royals shouldn't be listening to The Athletic's Jim Bowden. The former GM put out his free-agent contract and team predictions, and one carries a big red flag for the Royals.

Bowden listed the Royals as a fit for Gleyber Torres this offseason, with a contract prediction of two years and $42 million. The former Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees second baseman not only plays a position the Royals have filled, but signing him to a contract like that would make him the third-highest-paid Royals player on the team next season.

Gleyber Torres has the makings of a bad signing for the Royals

Torres was a member of the Tigers for the last two seasons. His 2025 campaign was a solid. He hit .256 with a .745 OPS in 145 games, had 16 home runs, 22 doubles, and drove in 74 runs. In 2026, injuries limited him to just 96 games. He still hit .260 with a .727 OPS, but wasn't hitting as many extra-base hits.

Not only is $21 million AAV expensive for a player with a .738 OPS over the last two seasons, but he doesn't bring any real value defensively. In 2026, he had a Fielding Run Value in the 34th percentile, and in 2025 it was in the 26th percentile. On top of his deficiencies as a player, the Royals already have a second baseman they should trust heading into next season.

Michael Massey is coming off a career-best season at the plate. While he was limited to 131 games, he hit a career-high .272 in 2026 and had a .731 OPS. He had a career-high ISO, which shows how many extra-base hits a player has. Defensively, he is also much better, being a finalist for the AL Gold Glove at second base this season.

Not only do the Royals already have a second baseman, but they need to address the outfield and pitching staff this offseason, not the infield. That means they need to stay away from Gleyber Torres, especially at that price.

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