DETROIT — Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson was voted winner of the 2025 Dan Ewald Award by the Detroit chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America last month.
The award, named after the Tigers’ former media relations director, goes to the player or coach who goes the extra mile in cooperation and professionalism with reporters. Some BBWAA chapters refer to it as a “Good Guy” award.
Torkelson, 26, played in 155 games in his fourth season with the Tigers. He hit .204 with a .789 OPS (117 OPS+) and tied a career high with 31 homers. He was consistently available to speak with reporters in the clubhouse, even during stretches of difficult losses late in the season.
Matt Vierling won the honor in 2024.
The Detroit BBWAA named ace lefty Tarik Skubal the Tiger of the Year for the second consecutive season.
In other news, right-hander Troy Melton was named the Tigers Rookie of the Year by the Detroit Sports Media Association.
Melton, who turned 25 on Wednesday, went 3-2 with a 2.76 ERA in 45 2/3 innings down the stretch after his July call-up from Triple-A Toledo. He also pitched in four postseason games. The California native played college ball at San Diego State and was selected by the Tigers in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB Draft.
Second baseman Colt Keith won the award in 2024, while lefty reliever Tyler Holton took the honor in 2023.