Spencer Torkelson, Welcome to Detroit.

The Detroit Tigers take Spencer Torkelson first overall. What we should expect from the third baseman out of Arizona State University.

The Detroit Tigers made their statement this evening, selecting Spencer Torkelson number one overall, drafting him at third base.  For Scott Pleis, the Detroit Tigers Director of Amateur Scouting, it was an easy pick.

“He’s one of the most polished hitters we’ve seen in the draft for quite some time, showing plus-plus power and excellent plate discipline. We’ve been tracking Spencer’s growth and performance since his breakout freshman season at Arizona State, and are excited to see him grow in the coming years”.

Spencer Torkelson said to MLB Network he could play anywhere so in case of anyone why he was announced at third base.  Staff writer Jacob Boes discussed the need for Spencer but for a deeper dive, here’s a MCB scouting report based on the format showed to us by Tigers Minor League Report Scouting Director, James Chipman.

Scouting Report on Spencer Torkelson.

Here’s the “scouting” write-up on what we saw Spencer Torkelson on video:

Evaluator: MCB Staff

Report Date: 6/10/2020

Org: Detroit

Dates Seen:  Video Review

Risk: Moderate

Role: 60

MLB ETA: 2022

Born: 08/26/1999

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 220

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

Primary Position: 1B

Secondary Position: OF

Physical Description
Thick, muscular frame; powerfully built; close to maxed out; impressively loose and fluid; solid athlete who also played running back in high school; exudes quiet confidence; intimidating presence who can force pitchers into mistakes; steps to the plate looking to do damage. Impeccable track record as an amateur.

Hit: 5+

Power: 7

Run: 4

Field: 5

Throw: 5

Upright stance; hands above the shoulders; hits from moderate crouch; minimal pre-swing movement with a slight load before exploding through the zone; short and direct to the ball; uses small step for timing; identifies pitches early; spoils borderline offerings until he gets a pitch to drive; stays aggressive with two strikes but will take plenty of walks; will swing and miss in the zone but rarely expands; sprays the ball all over the field. Overall it’s an above-average hit tool that will effectively play to plus thanks to impressive on-base skills. (5+)

Easy plus-plus raw power; shows the pitch selection and bat-to-ball skills to get to most of his pop; immense power to the pull field; can go deep to any part of the park with ease; mix of bat speed and pure strength means he doesn’t need to sell out for his pop; swing built to launch the ball; regularly posts exit velocities above 110 mph; should hit 30 home runs on an annual basis and may top 40 on occasion. (7)

Shows below-average run times to first; typically in the 4.35 to 4.45 range down the line; gets close to average underway; enough speed and range to play the outfield; good baserunning instincts, but it’s unlikely stolen bases will be a part of his game. (4)

Average defender at first base; shows good footwork and maneuvers well around the bag; solid first-step quickness and above-average range for the position; provides good target; will stretch a dig for balls; hands can get stiff but should be adequate; below-average outfield defender but decent enough to man a corner (5)

Shows average arm strength; solid accuracy; enough arm to man left field. (5)