Former ASU star Spencer Torkelson optioned to Triple-A

After a dismal start to the 2024 season, Spencer Torkelson, a former 1st overall pick of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Arizona State University, has been optioned to Triple-A Toledo by the Detroit Tigers.

Torkelson became the fourth Sun Devil to be drafted #1 overall in the MLB Draft following a remarkable three-year span at ASU where he hit 54 home runs, just three shy of breaking a school record. If not for the shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19, Torkelson would have easily made history by surpassing that record.

Throughout his collegiate career at ASU, Torkelson posted a .337 batting average, scored 152 runs, and recorded an impressive .729 OPS.

But, since being drafted #1 overall by the Detroit Tigers in the 2020 draft, Torkelson has, for the most part, struggled to find any rhythm at the plate.

Initially making his major league debut in 2022 at 22 years old, Torkelson recorded a .203 batting average during his rookie season. While it wasn’t the start Detroit hoped for, there were moments of promise.

In 2023, Torkelson made the Opening Day roster, and the season brought a glimmer of hope. During his sophomore season, he slashed 31 home runs, drove in 94 runs, and hammered 34 doubles. These numbers provided a glimpse of the potential that had made him the top pick in the draft.

However, the 2024 season has been a nightmare. Torkelson has gone hitless in nine of his last ten games and is 0-16 over his last four games, leading to the Tigers sending him down to Triple-A.

This marks Torkelson’s second stint in the minors since making his debut in the majors, with his other coming in the latter half of the 2022 season. During his previous time in Triple-A, he worked on refining his approach at the plate and making slight adjustments, which eventually contributed to his improved performance in 2023. The Tigers are hopeful that another period of development in the minors will help him regain his form.

At 24 years old, there is still plenty of time for the former ASU star to turn things around. For now, Torkelson will have to find his groove down in Triple-A