DETROIT — A year ago, it appeared a foregone conclusion that Spencer Torkelson wouldn’t start the season as the Detroit Tigers’ everyday first baseman.
It wasn’t even certain that he would make the Opening Day roster.
But the Tigers faced a rash of early injuries, and Torkelson had an outstanding spring, followed by an outstanding April and an outstanding May.
When all was said and done, Torkelson’s fourth consecutive season as the Tigers’ primary first baseman was his best.
The 26-year-old hit 31 homers in 649 plate appearances and posted a .789 OPS (117 OPS+).
TIGERS IN 2026: This is the second in a series of profiles on the Detroit Tigers’ organizational depth heading into the 2026 season. Previously: Catchers.
Not only does Torkelson have an undisputed hold on the first-base job, but there really aren’t any other immediate options.
Justyn-Henry Malloy, who dabbled at first base, has been traded. Colt Keith, who was originally tapped to take Torkelson’s spot last year when the Tigers signed Gleyber Torres, is now at third base.
As for the rest of the system, most of the Tigers’ first-base depth is tied to players who primarily catch, including Eduardo Valencia and Josue Briceño, who were added to the 40-man roster this winter.
There aren’t any true first-base prospects in the system, which is not unusual. Most first basemen are either elite hitters from the outset or players who take on other positions as they transition into utility roles.
That’s not to say Torkelson’s is guaranteed to be the Tigers’ first baseman for years to come. Briceño could rapidly hit his way into the big leagues. The Tigers also have a handful of budding infielders, led by Kevin McGonigle, whose arrival could eventually push Keith to first base.
But for now, the Tigers are thrilled with Torkelson’s bounce-back after a shaky 2024 campaign. If he can deliver another 30-homer season in 2026, they’ll be even happier.
FIRST BASEMEN IN THE SYSTEM
On the 40-man roster: Spencer Torkelson, Colt Keith.
Expected non-roster invitees in spring training: none
*The Tigers have not released their list of non-roster invitees
Possible 2026 assignments:
Detroit: Torkelson, Keith.
Triple-A Toledo: Jake Holton.
Double-A Erie: Chris Meyers, Andrew Jenkins.
Class A (advanced) West Michigan: Garrett Pennington, Cristian Santana.
Class A Lakeland: Beau Ankeney, Clayton Campbell, Richardo Hurtado.
Detroit Tigers third baseman Jonathan Schoop throws to first base after an error on a Minnesota Twins’ Carlos Correa ground ball in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 23, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)AP
Most starts at first base for the Tigers over the last 10 years
2016: Miguel Cabrera
2017: Miguel Cabrera
2018: John Hicks
2019: Brandon Dixon
2020: Jeimer Candelario
2021: Jonathan Schoop
2022: Spencer Torkelson
2023: Spencer Torkelson
2024: Spencer Torkelson
2025: Spencer Torkelson