The Detroit Tigers have carried their momentum from last October’s ALDS run right into the new season, looking every bit like the gritty squad that pushed Cleveland to five games before being eliminated. Now, 11 games into the 2025 campaign, Detroit is red-hot—riding a five-game winning streak and sitting atop the AL Central with a 7-4 record.
Much of the early success has come thanks to strong performances from key contributors like reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, versatile shortstop Zach McKinstry, and outfielder Kerry Carpenter, who’s bouncing back after missing nearly half of last season.
If not for a tough season-opening sweep at the hands of the defending champion Dodgers, the Tigers might have an even more commanding lead in the division. Among the encouraging signs, one of the most notable has been the progress of Spencer Torkelson, whose bat has taken a big step forward compared to last year.
President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris pointed to Spencer Torkelson’s improvement as more than just a hot streak or good fortune. “This isn’t just early-season luck on balls in play—he’s made real, noticeable adjustments,” Harris said.
Spencer Torkelson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, is finally starting to look like the franchise cornerstone the Tigers envisioned. Through the early part of the season, he’s hitting .310 with a .408 on-base percentage—a major jump from his 2024 numbers, when he slashed just .219/.295. Torkelson also ranks among the top 20 in OPS across the league, a testament to the strides he’s made at the plate.
If he can maintain this level of performance, there’s no reason to think a Triple-A demotion would even be on the radar this year. And with Torkelson producing like this, Detroit’s chances of making a serious World Series push in 2025 only get stronger.
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