The Detroit Tigers' rebuild was always going to take some time but it, at least, should have been fun to watch this season. A busy offseason that saw them add two stars and call up two top prospects has been pretty dismal. One key reason is that one of their prized prospects, Spencer Torkelson, is not lining up to his sky-high potential.
Torkelson is being developed to replace franchise legend Miguel Cabrera at first base. Instead, he has not been good in his first year and is being optioned back down to the Triple-A level.
Manager AJ Hinch said that the Tigers plan to get Spencer Torkelson some more paying time in a less-scrutinized environment to help him get his groove back. He said that Torkelson took the news well and stressed that he is still super talented despite his poor results.
Spencer Torkelson has simply not been very good at the MLB level. In 83 games, the 22-year-old has recorded a triple slash of .197/.282/.295, 52 hits (compared to 76 strikeouts), 11 doubles and five home runs. His potential to be a very good hitter in the big leagues is still there despite his immediate struggles.
Thankfully for the Tigers, they have another top prospect who has been called up to the big leagues. Center fielder Riley Greene has been playing well through 27 games so far. With more time, Torkelson could come back better and establish himself as a true piece of the Tigers' future.
While Spencer Torkelson is getting his reps in with the Toledo Mud Hens, Detroit should look to sell off key pieces, including Michael Fulmer, ahead of the trade deadline. With their two top prospects and offseason additions Javier Baez and Austin Meadows, they could bounce back next season and surprise a lot of teams.
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