Tigers might be reaching point of no return with Spencer Torkelson

The saga that is Spencer Torkelson's struggles to open the 2026 season appeared to hit a new low on Monday against the Boston Red Sox. Through Monday, Torkelson was hitless in his last 12 plate appearances with four strikeouts, and was benched ahead of the Tigers' loss to the Red Sox on Monday afternoon.

Colt Keith got the start at first base over Torkelson, who did enter the game as a pinch-hitter, only to strike out in his only plate appearance. While everyone involved with the Tigers has been quick to come to Torkelson's defense this season, there's no ignoring the reality that is his slash line of .179/.329/.224 with a wRC+ of 72.

Much was made over the offseason of the Tigers' decision not to add another impact bat to the roster. It seemed like Scott Harris saw the step forward that players like Torkelson took last season and expected that to continue in 2026.

The former first-round pick had 31 home runs for the Tigers last season while posting a 118 wRC+. It was the breakout that Tigers fans had been waiting to see, especially since he experienced a power regression during the 2024 season.

Instead of taking a step forward this season, Torkelson has regressed to the point where his power has completely evaporated. His slugging percentage through his first 82 plate appearances this season is .224, the lowest mark of his career, and 9 of his 12 hits have been singles.

What's next for Spencer Torkelson?

It's great that Kevin McGonigle has looked like a superstar immediately upon his arrival to the Tigers' roster, but if players like Torkelson don't take a step forward, there's always going to be a cap to the team's success this season. It's early, but that reality is why Harris and Co. should have at least added another established run producer to the mix during the offseason, if nothing other than to take the pressure off a roster that ran out of gas last September.

Initially, it would seem like the lever that is being pulled by A.J. Hinch is offering Torkelson a reset. Take him out of the starting lineup for a game or two, clear his head before returning to the starting lineup, and try to turn his season around. As long as Keith is hitting, 107 wRC+ through 70 plate appearances, he can get some runs at first base.

Beyond that, Torkelson does have a minor-league option remaining. It's too early for the Tigers to pull that lever, but if his struggles continue into May, it may be necessary.

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