History of Spencer Torkelson in Timeline

Spencer Torkelson is a professional baseball first baseman currently playing for the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was the first overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft, selected by the Tigers. Torkelson is a notable figure in baseball, representing the future of the sport for the Detroit Tigers organization.

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Full Timeline

August 26, 1999: Spencer Torkelson Born

On August 26, 1999, Spencer Enochs Torkelson was born. He is an American baseball first baseman.

Others born on this day/year

August 19, 2015: Castellanos performance at Chicago

On August 19, 2015, Nick Castellanos had 3 or more extra-base hits and 10 or more total bases in a game at Chicago (NL). This is being used as a comparison to Torkelson's performance.

2016: Last Tigers to Hit 30 Home Runs Before Torkelson

In 2016, Miguel Cabrera and Justin Upton both reached 30 home runs, being the last Tigers to hit 30 homers until Torkelson in 2023.

2018: Collegiate Summer Baseball

After the 2018 season, he played collegiate summer baseball for the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2019: Ranked No. 1 College Prospect

In 2019, Baseball America ranked Torkelson as the No. 1 college prospect in the 2020 draft.

June 30, 2020: Signed with Detroit Tigers

On June 30, 2020, Torkelson signed with the Detroit Tigers for $8,416,300, which was the highest signing bonus in MLB draft history at that time. He was also added to the Tigers' 60-man player pool the same day.

2020: Junior Season

During his junior year in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, Torkelson hit six home runs, bringing his total to 53 for his ASU career.

2020: Drafted by Detroit Tigers

In 2020, Spencer Torkelson was selected first overall by the Detroit Tigers in the Major League Baseball draft.

2021: Minor League Assignments and All-Star Selection

In 2021, Torkelson was assigned to the West Michigan Whitecaps, promoted to the Erie SeaWolves in mid-June, and selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game. He was later promoted to the Toledo Mud Hens in August and joined the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League after the Triple-A season.

April 2, 2022: Made Opening Day Roster

On April 2, 2022, the Detroit Tigers announced that Torkelson had made their Opening Day roster.

July 18, 2023: First Tigers Player Since Castellanos

On July 18, 2023, at Kansas City, Torkelson became the first Tigers player age 23-or-younger to have three or more extra-base hits and 10 or more total bases in a game since Nick Castellanos on August 19, 2015, at Chicago (NL).

2024: Postseason Performance

In 2024, Torkelson helped the Tigers clinch a Wild Card spot and started as Detroit's first baseman. He recorded his first postseason hit on October 9 in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians, which contributed to the Tigers taking a 2-1 lead in the series.

2024: Season

In the 2024 season, Torkelson was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on June 3 after struggling for the first two months. He was recalled August 17, and finished the season hitting .219 with 10 home runs and 37 RBI in 92 games.