The New York Yankees signed Nick Torres on Saturday, bringing the 2025 Mexican League MVP back to affiliated baseball after a seven-year absence.
It’s been quite the journey for the 32-year-old right-handed hitter. Torres hasn’t played for an MLB organization since 2018, when he was in Triple-A with the Texas Rangers.
The Yankees are betting that Torres’ recent production south of the border translates to the majors. Since 2021 playing for Algodoneros Union Laguna, he’s hit .343 with a 1.025 OPS. Those are eye-popping numbers, even accounting for the level of competition.
Yankees sign 2025 Mexican League MVP Nick Torres
32-year-old right-handed first baseman and outfielder has hit .343 with a 1.025 OPS since 2021 for Algodoneros Unión Laguna. A 2014 4th round pick by the Padres, Torres’ last MLB affiliation was Triple-A in 2018 for the Rangers pic.twitter.com/uo1LQ3AlPT
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) December 27, 2025
Torres was originally a fourth-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2014. He grinded through the minors for several years before his MLB path stalled out.
That’s where the Mexican League comes in. It’s become a viable option for players looking to continue their careers and potentially earn another shot at the majors.
The pitching quality in Mexico isn’t close to MLB level, so there’s no guarantee Torres’ numbers translate. But the Yankees obviously saw enough to take a flyer on him.
Torres plays first base and outfield, giving him some versatility. If he can hit, he could slot in as the short side of a platoon or provide depth off the bench.
At 32, this might be Torres’ last chance to make it back to the bigs. He’s put in the work and earned another opportunity through sheer persistence.
