Detroit Tigers Slugger Spencer Torkelson Makes Never-Before-Seen Opening Day History

Spencer Torkelson did more than just hit a home run in the Detroit Tigers' Opening Day showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, also drawing four walks.

Los Angeles, California, USA; Detroit Tigers first base Spencer Torkelson (20) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Spencer Torkelson saw his production drop off a cliff in 2024, to the point where the Detroit Tigers even demoted the once-promising slugger to Triple-A for over two months.

Looking to put those struggles behind him, the former No. 1 overall pick opened the 2025 with a historic performance at the plate.

Torkelson scratched and clawed his way onto the Detroit Tigers' Opening Day roster this spring, earning the starting designated hitter spot for Thursday's season-opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 25-year-old slugger showed maturity in his very first plate appearance, drawing a five-pitch walk against two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell.

After drawing two more walks in the fourth and fifth innings, Torkelson finally belted a solo home run in the top of the seventh. And when he represented the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth, Torkelson worked a seven-pitch walk to reach base safely.

Even though the Tigers lost 5-4, the end result was no fault of Torkelson, who finished 1-for-1 with two runs and four walks.

According to MLB.com's Sarah Langs, Torkelson's four walks are tied for the most by one player on Opening Day since 1901. Among the 15 instances of a player achieving that feat, Torkelson is the only one to also hit a home run in the same game.

Spencer Torkelson’s 4 walks are tied for most on opening day since 1901, 15th instance

FIRST of those to also homer https://t.co/rJpwDLiYAA

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) March 28, 2025

Torkelson hit .203 with a .604 OPS and -1.4 WAR as a rookie in 2022, two years after he was drafted out of Arizona State. He really broke out in 2023, batting .233 with 31 home runs, 94 RBIs, a .758 OPS and a 1.0 WAR across 159 games.

In 92 games last season, though, Torkelson hit .219 with 10 home runs, 37 RBIs, a .669 OPS and a 0.3 WAR. He was in the minors through most of June and July before rejoining the Tigers in time for their playoff push in mid-August.

Torkelson is certainly off to a better start here in 2025, inspiring hope that he could return to his upward trajectory.

The Tigers and Dodgers are set to resume their series Friday at 10:10 p.m. ET.

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