Detroit Tigers: Early thoughts on Spencer Torkelson for the 2022 season

The Detroit Tigers 2021 season was a step in the right direction, and the team was actually enjoyable to watch for the fans. On the other hand, it’s November, and the offseason has not even begun.

But looking at things, the Detroit Tigers may do something bold and let Spencer Torkelson get his feet wet in the big leagues. The first overall pick from the 2020 MLB First-Year Amateur Draft may very well find himself in the Motor City in 2022.

It’s incredibly early to really dive into it since the team could make signings that make it harder for Torkelson to make the roster, but as of now, it seems like he might have a shot. When 2022 rolls around, Torkelson might end up with a spot in the Tigers lineup.

There is no secret that Torkelson will be one of the best prospects and foundational pieces of the Tigers’ future. After a full summer in the minors in 2021, Torkelson is going to keep pushing towards his debut in the big leagues, and it could very well end up being this upcoming season.

Detroit Tigers prospect Spencer Torkelson could make the roster in 2022.

Torkelson started the season with the West Michigan Whitecaps at the High-A level, where he slashed .312/.440/.569 with five home runs and 28 RBI over 31 games played. He received a promotion up to Double-A to join the Erie Seawolves.

In Erie, Torkelson slashed .263/.373/.560 with 14 home runs and 36 RBI over 50 games played before receiving another promotion. With the Toledo Mud Hens, Torkelson would log 40 more games where he slashed .238/.350/.531 with 11 home runs and 27 RBI.

He started to settle in nicely and ultimately showed that he could be a productive member of the Tigers organization. The hit-tool and power-tool are exciting parts of his game, and he is going to be something special when he does get to the big leagues.

An injury ended Torkelson’s stint in the Arizona Fall League but he will be ready to go for the spring after his ankle sprain is deemed minor.

The important part is going to be figuring out where Torkelson will best fit and what will help his development the most. It very well could be 2022 when Torkelson gets to take the field at Comerica Park.

While Miguel Cabrera is still on the roster, allowing Torkelson to learn under him might not be the horrible idea. Cabrera has started to embody the teaching veteran role where he could mentor, and Torkelson is expected to be a real talent.

If Torkelson were to make the roster in 2022, having that veteran presence to help him and show him the ropes might be great for his development. Time will tell, and it’s extremely early to make these predictions, but Torkelson may have a shot to make the 2022 roster.