A $15M star was once pegged as a cornerstone in the Yankees—a rising star with a powerful bat and All-Star power. However, when the Yankees let him walk, some predicted he would rise again so quickly and in such commanding fashion. Fast forward to 2025, and the star isn’t just back, he is a centerpiece for the surging Detroit Tigers, now voted the starting second baseman for the AL All-Star team.

After the announcement, Gleyber Torres, the $15M star, took to social media to pen a heartfelt note to fans. “I want to express my gratitude for all the support you have given me during this season. I’ve never felt that support more strongly than now, after the starting position players have been announced for the 2025 All-Star Game. I’m so proud to have been voted the starting second baseman for the American League All-Star team by you, the fans. This has been a team effort, with you giving me that push, both in the good times as well as the difficult ones. I’m also thankful for the support from my manager, my coaches and teammates who, together with the rest of the staff, have made this an extremely exciting 2025 season with the Detroit Tigers. When I take the field on July 15th, all of you will be there with me. Thank you!”

The star’s message was not just a thank you; it was a full-circle moment from a star whose career many thought had plateaued. The $15M man did not just get a new home; Gleyber Torres got fans that reignited his fire. The former Yankees star beat Orioles’ second baseman Jackson Holliday for the starting spot. He got 66 percent of the votes in the second phase of voting compared to Holliday’s 34 percent.

What makes this sweeter for the star? Torres is part of a team making history. Alongside Javier Báez and Riley Greene, Torres completes a trio of the Tigers’ All-Star starters. It is the first time since 2007 the team has pulled off such a feat, and with Tarik Skubal rumored to get the starting nod on the field, the Tigers’ Midsummer Classic presence could stretch even further.

While Torres is basking in newfound glory with the Tigers, the Yankees still have a star swinging for history and reminding the league that their power has not fizzled just yet.

Yankees towering slugger inches past Harper in historic home run battle

In the midst of team struggles, Aaron Judge continues to carve out a legacy all his own. With the latest blast against the Blue Jays, the captain of the Yankees leapfrogged Bryce Harper on the active career home run leaderboard and now sits at 346 to Harper’s 345. This swing did not just win a battle, it marked Judge’s arrival in seventh place among all active hitters, with only MLB heavyweights like Stanton and Trout ahead of him.

What makes the captain’s feat more jaw-dropping? Aaron Judge has done it in just 4,706 plate appearances, which is far fewer than most stars above him. While others needed seasons of volume, the captain provided velocity. Despite the Yankees’ slide in the AL East, Judge has remained a wrecking ball at the plate, slashing a monstrous .363/.470/.735. However, even this titan has cooled slightly amid the slump, and that drop-off has exposed how deeply the Yankees still depend on their captain.

Yet the bigger picture provides a distinctive takeaway. While Torres thrives elsewhere, Judge is still establishing milestones. Judge could never reach the all-time home run crown because of his late start. However, every homer looks like a statement. If the Yankees face regret over their castoffs also, Judge’s bat keeps giving the team reasons to hope.

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