Detroit Tigers: Spencer Torkelson not long for A-ball
By David Hill
Spencer Torkelson had a rather disappointing beginning to his professional career. He was invited to the major league portion of spring training by the Detroit Tigers and looked completely overmatched. That carried over into the start of the 2021 season, as Torkelson struggled early for the West Michigan WhiteCaps.
That slow start is just a distant memory now. Torkelson has been on fire lately, demolishing the ball and looking every bit as the top overall selection in the 2020 MLB Draft. He launched another impressive home run on Friday night, showing that he has figured out High-A ball.
“If you were looking for a moment for the number one overall pick, you just got one.”@ThatDanHasty has the call of Spencer Torkelson’s three-run home run! 🎙💥 pic.twitter.com/iVONiRApcE
— West Michigan Whitecaps (@wmwhitecaps) June 12, 2021
Spencer Torkelson showing why Detroit Tigers selected him first overall
With his latest run, Torkelson’s overall numbers for the WhiteCaps have begun to impress. He has produced a .307/.447/.554 batting line in his 132 plate appearances, hitting five homers and eight doubles. His plate discipline has been as impressive as his tape measure homers, as he has 24 walks and 27 strikeouts during that time.
More Tigers. Skubal joins elite company. light
This is the type of player that everyone expected the Tigers were drafted. His impressive bat speed and strength lend themselves to his incredible power and ability to hit to all fields with authority. He also does not need to lengthen his swing or sell out for that pop, allowing him to continue with his solid plate discipline.
At this point, Torkelson may not be in West Michigan much longer. His bat is obviously ready for the next challenge, and a promotion to Double-A may be in the works in the near future. The Tigers’ front office may want to see a little more, especially defensively, but that move up the ladder is coming.
While he may get a brief look in the majors in September this season, his time is still yet to come. It is far more likely that he spends some time in Triple-A to begin the 2022 season, arriving in the majors to stay after a month or so in the minors. Nonetheless, the Tigers and their fans have to be excited about what they have seen from Torkelson over the past few weeks.
Next. Mize becoming staff ace. dark
Spencer Torkelson is showing why he is the Detroit Tigers’ top prospect. It is just a matter of time before he takes the next step up their ladder.