As their squad prepares for 2025, the Detroit Tigers are thinking about making a fairly drastic move with a past No. 1 overall pick.
To wrap out spring training, the Tigers are giving Spencer Torkelson more time in right field. Due to a lack of outfielders following the injuries to starters Parker Meadows and Matt Vierling, the organization made the decision to make the trade.
After a disappointing 2024 season, Torkelson, a first baseman for the Tigers, was unclear of his roster position going into spring training. The organization is basically looking for a spot for the former No. 1 pick to play because he has been hitting quite effectively during spring training.
“We had really key players kind of go down this spring, and I don’t know when they’re going to return, but in the time being, we got to find ways to compete and win, and I’ll do whatever it takes,” Torkelson said, via Jeff Seidel of the Detroit Free Press.
Torkelson is not considered a full-time outfielder by the Tigers, and the team does not anticipate him becoming a regular at the position, according to Tigers manager AJ Hinch. Fixing his bat, which has been an unforeseen problem throughout his career, is still their top concern.
Torkelson was predicted to become a formidable power batter when he was selected first overall in the 2020 draft. Aside from his 31 home runs in 2023, he hasn’t had much of an impact at the plate. He has batted just .221 at the MLB level, and the Tigers essentially considered him disposable after acquiring Gleyber Torres in the summer and moved second baseman Colt Keith over to first.
In 33 spring at bats this season, Torkelson has hit.273 and hit four home runs. The Tigers will undoubtedly find a spot for him if he can hit with that level of force during the regular season.
