Former Detroit Tigers Top Draft Pick Has Made History Not Seen in Last Decade

Spencer Torkelson now has 25 home runs as the Tigers move toward another playoff appearance.

Detroit Tigers first base Spencer Torkelson (20), right, and Arizona Diamondbacks catcher James McCann (8), left, watch a play during the second inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Detroit Tigers will open up a new series on Monday with the Chicago White Sox and Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson will open the series as part of a rare group in recent team history.

Per Tigers PR on social media:

Spencer Torkelson is first Tiger to record a pair of 25-homer seasons in a three-year span since Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez (both in 2014 + 2016).

Spencer Torkelson is first Tiger to record a pair of 25-homer seasons in a three-year span since Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez (both in 2014 + 2016). pic.twitter.com/66DTRDyeSW

— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) August 11, 2025

The 25-year-old was the No. 1 pick in the COVID 2020 draft out of Arizona State. He's hitting .241 with the 25 home runs and 65 RBIs while also carrying a .331 on-base percentage.

It's been an up-and-down career for Torkelson, who hit 31 homers and drove in 94 in 2023, but was then sent back to Triple-A during the 2024 campaign. He played in just 92 big-league games, hitting .219.

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (20) hits a single in the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park on Aug. 4. | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

This year, he's a major reason why the Tigers are 68-51 and in first place in the American League Central. After advancing to the American League Division Series last season, they are one of the World Series contenders this year. They lead the Cleveland Guardians by six games in the division and are one game off the pace for the best record (and top seed) in the American League.

First pitch Monday is set for 7:40 p.m. ET as Chris Paddack takes the ball for Detroit. Just acquired from the Minnesota Twins, he's gone 4-10 with a 4.91 ERA. The White Sox are 43-75, which is the worst record in the American League.

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