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Update On Former #1 Draft Pick After Being Demoted

After a break-out season in 2023, Detroit Tigers fans were looking forward to seeing what Spencer Torkelson would do in 2024.  Torkelson was destined to build on his 31-home run season and lead the Tigers out of the basement of the American League Central. This season, Torkelson hovered above the Mendoza line and only hit four home runs before he was demoted back to Triple-A Toledo. So, what’s the update on the former #1 overall draft pick for the Tigers?

Update On Former #1 Draft Pick After Being Demoted

Torkleson linked up with Toledo on June 4, 2024, and was immediately the team’s everyday first baseman.  Torkelson brought a .201 batting average and an abysmal .330 slugging percentage to Triple-A. Torkelson has never hit for average, but two months into the season, Torkelson wasn’t hitting for power either.  It only took four games before Tork hit his first home run with Toledo, coming against Thomas Pannone of the Iowa Cubs.

 

Strikeouts Declining

Since being sent down, Torkelson is slashing .274/.372/.452 with six multi-hit games through 18 contests.  The right-hander from Arizona State also has seven extra-base hits. Torkelson’s BB:K rate is currently sitting near 1:2 in his short time with Toledo.  This is a slight bump from his career numbers, which is approximately 1:3.  If Tork wants to get back to the big leagues, this is one area he will need to continue improving. To put things in perspective, his BB:K ratio was sitting near 1:5 during Torkelson’s last month with the Tigers.

The Tigers Are Better With Torkelson

The Tigers have played 22 games since sending Torkelson back to Triple-A.  Detroit has compiled a 9-13 record over that span. The Tigers have called on Mark Canha, Gio Urshela, and Andy Ibanez to platoon at first base.  In 22 games without Torkelson, the Tigers have a .202 batting average with only three extra-base hits and no home runs. Detroit has also only mustered six runs batted in from the first base position, which isn’t going to help you win many games.

While the output from first base is almost identical without Torkelson, the Tigers average more runs per game with him. In 63 games with Tork in the lineup, Detroit averages exactly four runs a game. In the 22 games since sending Tork down, Detroit averages just under three runs a game (2.9).  Detroit would also benefit from Torkelson’s home run upside. The Tigers have hit 73 home runs this season, which is good enough for 25th best in MLB.

Big Night At The Dish

Last evening, Torkelson had a big night at the plate.  The 6’1 righty mashed two home runs against Triple-A Louisville, including a grand slam off of Evan Kravetz. Torkelson ended up with six runs batted in while going 3-4.  Toledo would win 14-4 against the Louisville bats, and Torkelson raised his batting average by 30 points.

 

With this kind of output, the Tigers can’t afford to leave the former number-one pick in Triple-A much longer.

Main Photo Credits: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Winston Meadows

Winston Meadows

Winston is happily married with three kids and way too many dogs. He has been an NC State fan his entire life and has never known true happiness. He retired at 39 and now he spends all of his time talking about baseball.

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