The Tigers have agreed to terms with top overall draft choice Spencer Torkelson, according to Jim Callis of MLB.com (Twitter link). He’s set to receive a hefty $8,416,300 bonus.
While he only topped the 1-1 draft slot allocation by a nominal amount ($1K), it’s still quite a notable number. Per Callis, this is the biggest draft bonus ever given. It’s also the first time a first overall pick has reached the full slot value since the current draft system (with prohibitive penalties for excessive spending) went into effect.
Torkelson entered the draft as the consensus top overall talent, so it came as no surprise when he went first overall. The Tigers have enjoyed quite a lot of good years from Miguel Cabrera, who may overlap in Detroit if Torkelson moves as quickly as many expect.
Over his three seasons at Arizona State, Torkelson carried a prodigious .337/.463/.729 batting line. He not only launched 54 home runs over his 628 trips to the plate, but walked more often than he struck out. As you might expect, Torkelson was more dominant than ever during the truncated 2020 season, solidifying his position as the top available player.
The greatest bit of intrigue on draft day came not with the calling of Torkelson’s name, but the Tigers’ announcement that they viewed him as a third baseman. Most anticipate the big slugger will end up at first base by the time he arrives in Motown. But the Tigers will at least give him a shot at settling in at the hot corner, where his monster bat could have even greater value.
Torkelson’s polish is all the more impressive given that he still hasn’t reached his 21st birthday. It’ll certainly be interesting to see how swiftly he forces his way up the farm system. No doubt the Tigers are hopeful that Torkelson will catch up to the many intriguing power pitchers already lining up for MLB opportunities.
Photo courtesy of Arizona State University Athletic Department.
WOO as a tigers fan I’m hype
Would you say it slaps?
Name like Spencer doesn’t get you to the show
Career minor leaguer.
Needs a better name
You think “Torque” won’t suffice?
Mike Trout 2.0 and no I’m not trolling I actually think that
I hope you right but I think he’s missing the speed and arm
And glove.
Easy there, tiger. (No pun intended.)
That is such an awful take.
I see him more Paul Goldschmitt
Any team would take that.
Absolutely but thats insulting to Trout to project anyone to be him. When its all said and done Mike Trout will be known as the best baseball player ever.
Barry Bonds was the greatest ever and it’s not even close.
Ty Cobb is on line 2.
LOL at least use someone who wasn’t a PED user. Bonds was juiced on every chemical possible. Trout plays in an era with the nastiest pitchers in histroy. If he played in Mays or or Cobbs era his stats would be even more ridiculous than they already are. Trout in the 50s. Good lord.
Bond’s played on an even field in an era when everyone was juicing. He just happened to juice better than everyone else and he merely added juiced muscles onto a level of skill that was already out of this universe.
It’s a shame the league colluded against him and wouldn’t give him a few more years of production. Bonds could have easily reached 800 HR, 3000 hits, and 2000 RBI.
Trout won’t come close to the counting stats. Trout is Mantle 2.0. Which is not too shabby but it’s still no Bonds.
Bonds is a fraud who is bad for baseball. He juiced better than everyone alright. His head doubled in size.
Everyone has to know their industry and look for an edge so they can win. Whether it’s manufacturing or finance, no one forgives us if we lose.
Bonds played by the rules of his era and murdered his juiced competition.
Who would know,he’s never on TV and foolishly resigned with Anaheim where they don’t spend money. He would have made what he got anywhere.
He’s like Lock Ness Monster.
You’re setting yourself AND Torkelson up for failure. You are comparing a great prospect but still a prospect to someone who very well could end up being the best player that ever played on a baseball diamond.
More so, if he winds up being good but not an all time great you are making difficult to appreciate what he DOES contribute. I get excited over the occasional prospect as well but that is way to much.
He won’t strike out enough to be like Trout.
So you think Torkelson will be better than Trout, eh?
The delusion is STROOONG with this one.
You are the only turd who said that. YOUR delusions are pathetic.
Turd? Are you 5 years old or something?
You really think me saying Torkelson won’t be as good as Trout is being delusional, well..maybe you ARE just 5 years old.
Could you be any dumber. ONLY YOU said Torkleson will be better than Trout. I never said or implied that, Turd.
The Tigers handed above slot bonuses on all but one pick I believe. They will pay a penalty but overall avoid losing a pick by staying under the threshold of 5% over.
It’s only money, right?
From what I’ve read, the Tigers are looking to spend all of that International money this year too. Going for Quality over Quantity like they usually do. They’re expected to sign 2 of the top 15 guys.
Raise Hot ‘n Ready’s by $1 and it’ll be covered many times over!
Tigers get an A+ from me not only for their picks, but also for managing to sign them all without surrendering a future pick.
“While he only topped the 1-1 draft slot allocation by a nominal amount ($1K)”?
Who was the last number 1 overall to sign above slot?
I started looking but couldn’t find anyone..
It has never happened. Tork is the first at 1- 1 to get full slot value.
“Concensus number 1”? With who? Not you guys. MLBTR writers refused to go out a limb and make a prediction.
Because they don’t cover the draft and don’t do mocks. They only report signings.
14, you had a birthday?
Proof that with age does not necessarily come wisdom.
bust
That’s a lot of cheddar.
Hopefully he isn’t a Pedro Aleverez type. Can hit the long ball but unable to make the throw to first base
High end projection Jim Thome low end projection Ryan Zimmerman
“Spencer Torkelson”? Sounds like the third place finisher in the 3rd grade spelling bee.
**Attempt to be funny Failure**
You are awarded 0.00 points.
Points mean nothing.
Good thing because you have ZERO
How does one get points?
Don’t ask Melchez because he doesn’t know.
Well pressure is on. Al Avila has to start producing some of this “talent” he’s drafted….. I look around the league and guys are landing at the major league level fast. Yet the Tigers seem to drag stuff out. I hope he and all these other players are legit. If he is he should be on the major league roster and starting next year!!!!
Man, that’s a lot of $ for never even taken a swing in the minors! He doesn’t have to work another day for the rest of his life.
Great opportunity
Great, now will they add him to the 60-man player pool? It was submitted with 58 names,
Yeah they are going to put Tork and Cabrera (3rd rd pick I believe) in those last 2 spots, especially now with MiLB canceling the season. That SUCKS btw! Even 1 year off for these kids is huge. Hopefully find something to do with baseball this summer.
I was wondering if Parker Meadows was going to be on the list of 60. Daniel Cabrera or Gage Workman would also make sense.
I am guessing most teams will not fill the 60, as they don’t want to waive a solid player because of unforseen injuries. Better to have an open slot to add when needed.