The Detroit Tigers are not a sound baseball team. However, there are still many positives within the organization. Spencer Torkelson is one of the positives. Torkelson, the former first-overall selection in the 2020 MLB Draft, was called up by the Tigers at the start of last season. He had an up-and-down rookie season with the Toledo Mud Hens and Tigers, but still had a lot of his game to develop. The 2023 season looks to be an improved one for Torkelson.

Tork in 2022

Every first-overall selection in any draft has huge expectations. Coming into the MLB, Torkelson was compared to the likes of Pete Alonso. Although Torkelson is a very raw player still, playing at the highest level will certainly help him find his place. Last season, Tork played 110 games for Detroit and also played 35 games for Tigers Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens. For the Tigers, Torkelson batted .203 with 73 hits and eight home runs. He also produced 38 runs and 28 RBI. For Toledo, he played in 35 games and batted .229. He also added five homers and 30 hits. At 22 years old, Torkelson looked very raw in his rookie season. Unfortunately, Torkelson was brought into a bad situation with a rebuilding roster and a GM who was in his last season with the team. The Tigers 66-96 record was unsatisfactory to many fans.

Mickey York spoke with Spencer Torkelson about last season and what he did in the offseason to improve.#RepDetroit @MickeyYorkTV | @spennyt pic.twitter.com/anKjxnNFKl

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) April 12, 2023

Tork Looks “Free” 2023

The 2023 Tigers are in another rebuilding year under new management in Scott Harris. Harris, the former general manager of the San Francisco Giants, looks to build the Tigers from scratch and values Torkelson in that process. Torkelson comes into the 2023 season looking to improve on his rookie season. Torkelson was drafted to become the next first baseman of the Tigers for the next decade, and he will start to show flashes of that potential more this season. With the MLB season recently beginning, the Tigers are 4-9 in the first 13 games. Through the first 13 games, Torkeslson is batting.216 with one home run and 11 hits. His fielding has also improved in a big way, and he looks to continue it throughout the season. Although it could be a struggling tigers season again, Torkelson is a young player to watch for.

While we wait for the game to start, let’s admire this great play from Spencer Torkelson in the Tigers win from yesterday.

“We see it everyday, don’t take it for granted.” – Matt Shepard. pic.twitter.com/cbfXhr0EwG

— Jon Kloss (@jkloss29) April 16, 2023