The unexpected demotion of Spencer Torkelson led to the Tigers having to let go of another former top-10 pick.
The Detroit Tigers chose Spencer Torkelson as the top pick in the 2020 MLB Draft with hopes that he would become the cornerstone of their franchise in the future. While it took some time for him to find his groove in the MLB, Torkelson ultimately excelled, smashing 31 home runs and driving in 94 runs, particularly impressing in the latter half of the 2023 season.
Last year, Tigers fans were optimistic about Torkelson’s potential to become a star player, but the 2024 season has turned into a disaster for the 24-year-old. Torkelson’s performance has been far below expectations, with a batting average of .201, an on-base percentage of .266, and a slugging percentage of .330, along with only four home runs and 18 RBI in 54 games.
Entering the season, Scott Harris didn’t even consider the possibility of demoting Torkelson, but his prolonged struggle left the Tigers with little choice. On Sunday, Torkelson was sent down to AAA Toledo in an attempt to rediscover his form. This move also led to the decision to release former top-10 pick Keston Hiura.
Spencer Torkelson’s relegation prompted yet another surprising adjustment to the Tigers’ roster.
The Tigers inked Hiura, a seasoned player boasting four years of MLB experience, to a minor league contract along with a Spring Training invite during the offseason to bolster their depth. Despite showcasing promise during Spring Training with a .966 OPS over 31 at-bats, Hiura’s performance dwindled during his 49-game stint as Toledo’s primary first baseman, where he managed only a .713 OPS.
Torkelson’s impending promotion rendered Hiura surplus to the Mud Hens’ requirements, prompting the Tigers to release him and allowing him to seek opportunities elsewhere. Hiura’s MLB journey has been marked by highs and lows since being drafted ninth overall by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017. While he initially made a big impact in 2019, he has struggled to meet expectations since and hasn’t played in the MLB since 2022. The hope is that Torkelson won’t face a similar trajectory. This information was first published on fansided.com under the title “Spencer Torkelson’s surprise demotion forced Tigers to release another former top-10 pick.”
