Detroit Tigers 2020 MLB Draft: Spencer Torkelson Analysis

Take a look at an analysis of Detroit Tigers first overall pick Spencer Torkelson.

After day one of the 2020 MLB Draft, the Detroit Tigers walked away with only one player, but perhaps the most exciting player with Spencer Torkelson being the name. Torkelson was selected first overall and ended the rumors of if Austin Martin would pass him up for that top spot, ultimately falling to fifth.

The last few weeks and months have mostly been reports of Torkelson going to the Tigers and showing the simple things about him. For example, I personally think I have detailed Torkelson’s vitals and generic information plenty of times, but since he is finally a Tigers player, here it is one last time.

Torkelson is a 6-foot-2, 215-pound first baseman (until Miguel Cabrera speaks up) who played his college ball with the Arizona State University Sun Devils. Torkelson hit .351/.446/.707 with 23 home runs and 66 RBI for the Sun Devils over 57 games in 2019.

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In 2020, he may have been deprived of a full season due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but Torkelson hit .340/.598/.780 with 6 home runs and 11 RBI over 17 games played.

Torkelson is a major power threat and will continue that theme into the big leagues. Initially compared to someone like Pete Alonso but with a position change to third base, he profiles a little different.

The Detroit Tigers’ newest addition is already moving positions after being drafted.

As mentioned above, Torkelson is a first baseman who played occasional outfield, but that is going to change. Detroit Tigers General Manager (GM) Al Avila spoke during the 2020 MLB Draft about how the organization is going to move Torkelson from first base across the diamond to third base.

To me, this has the writing of Miguel Cabrera all over it. Not to say that Cabrera is threatened by Torkelson, but rather him saying he wants to finish out his career at first base (as much as possible) and Torkelson’s quick rise to the big leagues might put a damper on that idea.

Torkelson’s athleticism and personality should allow him to seamlessly move from first base to third base, and when asked about it on the MLB Network Draft Coverage he said he was just happy that the organization believed in his athleticism.

It will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the other corner infield spot, but Torkelson is an exceptional talent and should be able to adjust with ease and still continue to mash baseballs in the box.

A question this does raise is what this means for Isaac Paredes who seemed to be prepping for a position at third base, however, he does have some versatility. Beyond Paredes, this should ignite a fire of competition between Dawel Lugo and Jeimer Candelario who will need to be competing even more.

The Detroit Tigers just set themselves up for success.

The rebuild is far from over for the Detroit Tigers, but adding Torkelson only expedites the process for the organization who is still basically hopeless. Torkelson ‘s power alone should leave fans more than excited, but his approach pairs well with amazing plate discipline.

Beyond his prowess at the plate and athleticism in the field, Torkelson is a great off the field personality. The Tigers just brought in a player who is going to be an asset in the clubhouse as he progresses through the minor leagues and eventually into the big leagues.

The Tigers’ future is looking real bright with the addition of Torkelson to their farm system. The organization lacks strength amongst hitters compared to their pitchers, but the 2020 MLB Draft will allow them to make some additions and add some new hitters.

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The Detroit Tigers picked Spencer Torkelson first overall and they seem to have found their third baseman of the future.

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