Tigers' Spencer Torkelson Given Stern Reality Check From MLB Insider Buster Olney

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 3:33 PM ET

Manager AJ Hinch and the Detroit Tigers will enter the 2025 MLB season with high hopes of surpassing last year's divisional round playoff exit, with their sights set on the franchise's first American League Central Division Championship since 2014.

Detroit's 2025 hopes rest on the shoulders of its talented pitching staff, led by AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, and a scrappy batting order led by rising stars Riley Green, Parker Meadows and Kerry Carpenter, among others.

On Friday, ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney gave his honest thoughts on the situation involving Tigers slugger Spencer Torkelson, in comments that could light a fire under the 25-year-old first baseman from Petaluma, California, whom many fans view as an underachiever based on his statistical profile.

"The Tigers are prepared to move on from Spencer Torkelson if he underperforms this season," Olney said.

Torkelson was the first overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft by former the team's general manager Al Avila. His status with this year's Opening Day roster is up in the air considering the recent move of Colt Keith to first base.

The Tigers' infielder hit .219 with 10 home runs last season and 37 TBI, one year removed from a 31 home run campaign in 2023.

Detroit finished 24th among all MLB teams last season in hitting, suggesting they could use Torkelson's bat in 2025 as they seek a place among the recent champions of professional baseball.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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