Spencer Torkelson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson has continued to impress in spring training and has put himself in a good position to make the Opening Day roster. Torkelson has been one of the most consistent bats in the Detroit lineup during camp, as he has posted a strong .302/.364/.581 slash line with four home runs. He held a 4:10 BB:K and swiped one bag. In addition to his improving bat, Torkelson has begun to see time in right field, which has only improved his chances of making the Opening Day roster. Throughout the start of his professional career, Torkelson has exclusively only played at first base. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could open the season as a depth option on the roster. Last season, he posted an underwhelming .219/.295/.374 line with 10 home runs. If he continues to impress, he could eventually carve out time as first base behind Colt Keith, at right field, or even as a designated hitter. He is worth taking as a late-round flier in AL-only formats.

The Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold writes that first baseman Spencer Torkelson could see regular at-bats this year at designated hitter. The Tigers could be rotating players around early in the year in the outfield with both Parker Meadows (arm) and Matt Vierling (shoulder) injured, which could mean more looks for Torkelson at DH if Kerry Carpenter is needed more in the outfield. The former No. 1 overall pick in 2020 out of Arizona State University hasn't lived up to his draft stock to this point, even after clubbing a career-high 31 long balls and driving in 94 runs in his second season in 2023. The 25-year-old right-handed slugger took a step back last year, though, posting a .669 OPS with only 10 home runs in 92 games played. However, he's hitting .286 (10-for-35) with four homers and nine RBI in 14 spring training games and could be a sneaky late-round flier for some power in deeper fantasy leagues.

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson had a big day at the plate on Friday in the Grapefruit League win over the Baltimore Orioles, going 3-for-3 with two solo home runs. The former first overall pick in 2020 out of Arizona State University is now hitting .350 (7-for-20) with three home runs, four RBI, one steal and four runs scored in eight spring training games this year as he vies for playing time in 2025 in Detroit. The 25-year-old right-handed power bat clubbed 31 home runs and drove in 94 runs in 2023, but he slashed just .219/.295/.374 with a .669 OPS, 10 home runs and 37 RBI in 92 games for the Tigers last year and looks to be the odd-man out as Opening Day approaches this year. However, Torkelson is still young and could force his way into regular playing time, either at first or DH, if he can continue making consistent contact given the raw power he possesses.