Spencer Torkelson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Detroit Tigers say they haven't given up on first baseman Spencer Torkelson despite trade speculation and the fact that he's posted a disappointing .693 career OPS in 1,469 MLB plate appearances. The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen writes that Torkelson's path to a roster spot in 2025 as a right-handed first baseman/designated hitter is difficult, and it might take an injury for him to have a shot. At the very least, he'll be competing with Justyn-Henry Malloy in spring training. Stavenhagen thinks the Tigers would rather have Torkelson around at Triple-A Toledo as an insurance policy than trade him away for nothing. The 25-year-old former first overall pick has a tougher path to playing time in Motown this year after the Tigers signed second baseman Gleyber Torres, which will push Colt Keith to first base. Torkelson had a .669 OPS last year and was demoted to the minors.

According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the New York Mets have shown interest in trading for Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson. The former No.1 pick in the 2020 MLB Draft had a disappointing campaign last summer and could be without a role in the starting lineup this season. In 2024, Torkelson posted an underwhelming .219/.295/.374 line with just 10 home runs. Earlier this offseason, the Tigers acquired second baseman Gleyber Torres and plan to move Colt Keith to first base. However, in 2023, the Arizona State product flashed some upside as he held a .233/.313/.446 line with 31 home runs. With Torkelson not having a defined role for the upcoming season, it could make him easier to acquire if the Mets are unable to resign Pete Alonso. The Mets might also acquire Torkelson to provide some depth at first base, as Mark Vientos will likely cover that position in the short term, which will leave Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuna, and Ronny Mauricio to share time at the hot corner.

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson's role for the 2025 season has yet to be defined, according to general manager Scott Harris. The Tigers signed infielder Gleyber Torres on Friday in free agency to be their everyday second baseman next year. Colt Keith, who was the starter at the keystone as a rookie in 2024, will shift over to first base next year. With the 25-year-old Torkelson's role up in the air, the Tigers will most likely look to shop him on the trade market. But if he stays in Detroit, the former top overall pick from Arizona State could end up being on the short side of a platoon at either first base or designated hitter. Torkelson hit 31 homers and drove in 94 in 2023 but took a big step backwards in 2024, was demoted to the minors for a bit and had a .219/.295/.374 slash line with just 10 homers and 37 RBI in 92 games. His stock is way down heading into fantasy drafts next spring.