Here are several reasons why Spencer Torkelson, who is among the top five in the AL MVP chances and is off to a scorching start for the Detroit Tigers in 2025, is generating early season hype.
Spencer Torkelson wasn’t even guaranteed a spot on the Detroit Tigers’ Opening Day roster going into Spring Training. In early May, Tork has not only secured his position but is also making a strong push to be considered for the American League MVP award.
Even though it would be difficult for anyone to catch Aaron Judge, the overwhelming favorite at -1000, Torkelson’s name is in the top five, demonstrating how strong his start to 2025 has been. Torkelson is currently tied for fifth place in the AL MVP odds at +9000, in the same tier as players like Alex Bregman and teammate Riley Greene.
Torkelson Leading the Charge in Detroit
Through 35 games, Torkelson leads the team in nearly every major power stat:
- Home Runs:Â 10
- RBIs:Â 27
- Doubles:Â 8
- OPS:Â .889
Along with driving in 27 runs and drawing 20 walks, he is batting.234 with a.349 OBP and.540 SLG.
His ability to hit for power, get on base, and drive in runs has been crucial in keeping the Tigers in the game early in the season, even though his batting average doesn’t stand out.
Riley Greene and Tarik Skubal Also Earning Attention
There are other Tigers attracting attention besides Torkelson.
The AL MVP odds also include Riley Greene, who is quietly assembling a solid year, at +15000. Greene is one of the more versatile batters in Detroit’s lineup, having amassed a.274 average in 34 games with 8 home runs, 21 RBIs, and a.808 OPS.
Next up is Tarik Skubal, who is arguing that he is among the AL’s top pitchers. The left-hander has a 2.21 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 48 strikeouts in 40.2 innings over seven starts. Due to his domination, Skubal is now ranked +18,000 in the MVP race, which is uncommon for a pitcher in the current voting era.
The Bottom Line
Will Spencer Torkelson take home the MVP award? Most likely not—not when Aaron Judge is acting like Aaron Judge.
But the main message is that Torkelson is arriving. He is now a real power hitter driving the Tigers’ attack, not a prospect still trying to figure things out.
The Tigers may finally be developing their next homegrown core as Greene and Skubal both have star-level potential.
