The Tigers have agreed to the terms with the best overall pick in the draft. Spencer Torkelson, according to Jim Callis of MLB.com (Twitter link). You are ready to receive a strong $ 8,416,300 bonus.
While it only topped the 1-1 slot allowance by a nominal amount ($ 1K), it’s still a pretty remarkable number. According to Callis, this is the largest draft bonus ever awarded. It is also the first time that a first overall pick reaches the full slot value since the current draft system went into effect (with prohibitive penalties for overspending).
Torkelson entered the draft as the best overall talent by consensus, so it came as no surprise when he came first overall. The Tigers have enjoyed many good years from Miguel Cabrera, who may overlap in Detroit if Torkelson moves as fast as many expect.
During his three seasons in the state of Arizona, Torkelson carried a prodigious .337 / .463 / .729 batting line. Not only did he hit 54 homers in his 628 trips to the plate, but he walked more often than he struck out. As expected, Torkelson was more dominant than ever during the truncated 2020 season, cementing his position as the best available player.
The biggest intrigue on draft day did not come with the call of Torkelson’s name, but with the Tigers’ announcement that they saw him as a third baseman. Most anticipate that the big hitter will end up at first base by the time he gets to Motown. But the Tigers will at least give him a chance to settle in the hot corner, where his monster bat could be of even greater value.
Torkelson’s enamel is even more impressive given that he is not yet 21 years old. It will certainly be interesting to see how fast it makes its way into the farm system. Without a doubt, the Tigers are hopeful that Torkelson will catch up with the many intriguing power pitchers who are already lining up for MLB opportunities.
Photo courtesy of the Arizona State University Department of Athletics.