After being selected as the first overall pick five years ago, Spencer Torkelson faced a critical moment in his career as he entered the 2025 MLB season. Just two years removed from a strong performance where he hit 31 home runs, he found himself struggling, spending nearly 42% of the previous season at Triple-A Toledo. The urgency surrounding his position became more pronounced when the Detroit Tigers signed Gleyber Torres, which shifted 23-year-old Colt Keith to first base, increasing the pressure on Torkelson to improve.
Understanding that he needed to make significant changes, Torkelson committed to revamping his approach at the plate. Two months into the current season, he has emerged as one of the best hitters on the top team in baseball, boasting impressive stats including leading the team in OPS, extra-base hits, and RBIs. Torkelson’s current batting performance is 50% above league average, marking a stark contrast to his below-average season last year.
His breakthrough came from revisiting the fundamentals that made him a top prospect. Prior to the draft, he had an exceptional power record at Arizona State, indicated by his 54 homers over 129 games. However, as he transitioned to professional baseball, he adjusted his batting stance in an attempt to handle high fastballs, but this led to inconsistencies. Torkelson recognized that trying to cover too many pitches led to a decline in his performance.
The turning point was during the offseason when he adopted a more athletic stance and re-established the setup that had initially gained him acclaim. By narrowing the distance between his feet and adjusting his position in the box, Torkelson improved his vision of the pitches and regained his confidence at the plate.
The results of his adjustments have been phenomenal. Torkelson already surpassed last year’s totals for home runs and RBIs, demonstrating his ability to handle fastballs effectively, while hitting the ball in the air more frequently and registering career-highs in both barrel rate and walk rate. His teammates have noted a visible change in his demeanor, with a renewed confidence emerging as he navigated a question-filled spring training.
With a successful start to the season and strong performances that helped quiet concerns about his future with the team, Torkelson’s story reflects resilience and the potential for growth within the game. As he continues to build on this newfound success, there is optimism regarding his ability to maintain this trajectory and become a lasting force in the Tigers’ lineup.
This narrative showcases not only Torkelson’s determination but serves as a reminder of the process of growth and adaptation within sports. Challenges can lead to significant personal and professional development when met with the right mindset.