By David Hill |
First baseman Spencer Torkelson had seemingly played his way off of the Detroit Tigers.
The first overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, Torkelson was the Tigers’ top prospect ahead of the 2021 and 2022 seasons. After a miserable debut in 2022, Torkelson began to show some of the potential that made him a possible building block in 2023. He slashed a respectable .233/.313/.446 in 684 plate appearances, belting 31 homers and 34 doubles. At 23 years old, Torkelson looked on the cusp of a breakout.
Those hopes were dashed in 2024. Torkelson struggled all season, his performance leading to a two-and-a-half-month demotion to Triple-A. He ended the season with a disappointing .219/.295/.374 batting line in 381 plate appearances, hitting 10 homers and 21 doubles.
The writing appeared to be on the wall for Torkelson this offseason. Second baseman Gleyber Torres signed a one-year contract to take over the keystone in Detroit. Infielder Colt Keith was moved to first base in deference to Torres. Torkelson, meanwhile, became the subject of trade rumors, with Even Petzold of the Detroit Free Press speculating that the Tigers would move on from him.
Torkelson may have changed his fate with his performance during spring training. He has been one of the Tigers’ hottest hitters thus far, batting .310/.333/.724 in 30 spring plate appearances and belting four homers. His performance has led the Tigers to attempt to find ways to get his bat into the lineup, including the possibility of Torkelson playing right field during the upcoming season.
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While the Tigers value defensive flexibility, this move is borne of necessity. Injuries have hammered the Tigers’ outfield, with outfielders Wenceel Perez, Parker Meadows and Matt Vierling already sidelined. Torkelson is still expected to get most of his action at first base and as a designated hitter, but adding right field to his profile can only help him get more opportunities.
Torkelson can still force his way back into the Tigers’ plans despite nearly playing his way out of a job. The 2025 season may be critical to his future.
