Spencer Torkelson must break this concerning pattern with Tigers in 2026

This time last year, it seemed like Spencer Torkelson was on the outs with the Detroit Tigers. Then, last December, Gleyber Torres' landing in Detroit seemed like it would set off a domino effect that would be the final nail in the coffin for the former first overall pick.

Instead, the once-promising young slugger again looked like a future building block, launching 31 homers while slashing .240/.333/.456. Now the Tigers find themselves with question marks all over the rest of the infield as hot stove season gets underway. While it might seem like Torkelson is the one constant in that picture, that's far from a guarantee.

Spencer Torkelson will doom the Tigers in 2026 if he doesn't break this horrifying trend

The Tigers have seen the flashes from Torkelson before. In 2023, he also mashed 31 homers with a .758 OPS, providing hope that it was only beginning for the Arizona State product. Instead, his 2024 follow-up featured just 10 long balls, a career-worst 27.6% strikeout rate, a .669 OPS, and a demotion to Triple-A Toledo.

Now four years in, this has become a pattern for Torkelson. His rookie season in 2022 was a struggle, resulting in a disappointing 76 wRC+. The optimism that 2023's 106 wRC+ fueled gave way to disappointment with 2024's 91 mark. Now, the even-odd-even-odd trend continues with the 118 number he recorded this year.

If that pattern continues, he's in for some serious regression in 2026. Maybe it's all just a coincidence, but the inconsistency is maddening. It's threatening Detroit's ability to reach its dreams as well.

At the most optimistic point in Torkelson's rise, the idea of him being the impact bat to anchor the heart of the order was the dream. Now, it's clear to see a player like that doesn't currently reside on the Tigers' roster.

That doesn't mean Torkelson is a bust. He can still be a complementary threat to a true star. He can be the Robin to someone else's Batman, and it would still be an acceptable outcome.

In order to do that, however, he needs to show some consistency, if not growth. Should that happen, the Tigers can start thinking about whether or not they want to lock him up long-term. If he continues the trend of falling flat in even years, though, he should swiftly be shown the door. The time has come for him to figure out who he really is, and then Detroit can act accordingly.