Has Spencer Torkelson Really Figured It Out This Time?

Spencer Torkelson‘s career has been filled with ups and downs. The Detroit Tigers‘ first overall pick from 2020 struggled as a rookie, hit 31 home runs in his second season, and found himself back in Triple-A Toledo last year.

Ups and downs filled with uncertainty led the Tigers to move Colt Keith to first this season, sending a clear message to Torkelson. Perform, or be replaced. I think that message was received and taken seriously. Torkelson put together a great spring that has carried over into the start of the regular season.

I’ll be careful not to overreact to such a small sample, but the changes Torkelson has made are obviously translating into success. Success that I think can be repeatable. Success that not only helps the Tigers but allows Torkelson to blossom into the player Detroit thought he could be when they selected him first overall.

There’s still more swing and miss than you would like, but his production makes the strikeouts easier to swallow. Credit the Tigers for not completely giving up on him, and credit to Torkelson for his willingness to make the necessary changes to unlock his best self.

Stats updated prior to first pitch on April 17th.

Spencer Torkelson’s Mechanical Changes

Although Torkelson had a 30 home run season under his belt, it was obvious that he needed to make changes in order to succeed.

I’m sure 2024 was a humbling year for him, having to return to the minors and earn his way back to the majors, but maybe that was the exact wake-up call his career needed. Wearing a SpongeBob-themed jersey in Toledo, Ohio will do a lot to a man’s mental side of things.

With the news of Keith moving to first, Torkelson knew he had to find a way to revive his career, and do so quickly. You have probably noticed the first change simply by watching Torkelson bat. He made a change in his stance that might not seem like a big change, but has led to a shift in his results.