Spencer
Torkelson

2020 Draft: Not much more needs to be written about one of college baseball's elite hitters. Possessing a physical build with a thick neck and shoulders at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, Torkelson combines power production with hit ability. He homered on a 3-2 pitch during his second at-bat of the 2020 season against Villanova and then walked in seven of his next 11 plate appearances against the Wildcats. He was also intentionally walked 15 times in the Sun Devil's 17-game 2020 season. Torkelson is able to extend at-bats by fouling off offspeed pitches and getting to the next fastball; a rare skill for power hitters. His average exit velo on all batted balls in the shortened 2020 season was 99.4 mph with a high of 112.9 mph. He's also solid defensively at first base with an above average, accurate throwing arm and quick release. He profiles well to first base with more than enough power to play the position in an everyday role in the Major Leagues. He remains firmly entrenched as a top three overall pick.

2/15/20: Torkelson homered on a 3-2 pitch during his second at-bat of the 2020 season against Villanova. He was then walked in seven of his next 11 plate appearances against the Wildcats, something he will likely be faced with often this season. He ended the weekend 3-for-9 with two home runs and eight walks in four games. Overall, nothing has changed since our last look this past summer for the USA Collegiate National Team. He profiles well to first base with above average defensive abilities and more than enough power to play the position everyday in the Major League. Torkelson remains firmly entrenched for selection early in the first round this June.

7/3/19: Physical 6-foot-1, 220 pound frame. Right handed hitter. Balanced and quiet in his setup. Minimal pre-pitch movement. Quiet load and short stride. Saw a heavy mix on the night with Cuban pitchers working to change speeds on their fastball, as well as their off-speed pitches against Torkelson. Some balance and timing issues in the first two at-bats did not carry over to his final at-bats: Homered, allowing a fastball to get deep and showing impressive power to still drive it out to the opposite field. Sacrifice fly in the 7th after fighting off several good pitches, allowing a breaking ball to get deep into his frame and punishing it right at the right fielder. Impressive strength in the box. Showed an ability to adjust at-bat to at-bat. (B Hall)

7/1/19: A repeat USA CNT member, Torkelson combines power production with hit ability. A physical build with a thick neck and shoulders at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, Torkelson has a balanced and quiet setup with minimal pre-pitch movement and a short stride. He’s able to extend at-bats by fouling off offspeed pitches and getting to the next fastball; a rare skill for power hitters. He’s also solid defensively at first base with an above average, accurate throwing arm and quick release. Routinely made crisp throws that were on the money and fielded everything hit his way with average range. Near average runner underway on the base paths. Torkelson continues to improve upon my previous look from last fall in Tempe. He is the premier bat in this year’s college class and with continued production will likely be considered where similar talent Andrew Vaughn was selected this past June; 3rd overall. (Seifert)

10/15/18: One of the top college prospects for the 2020 draft, Torkelson showed great focus and quiet intensity at all times. Had the look of someone wanting to improve at every moment. Statistically, his numbers are likely to improve just by the fact that the fences at Phoenix Municipal Stadium will be moved in 15’ from last spring. He could easily slug 30+ after he banged 25 long balls as a freshman. He is strong and balanced in the box with plus plus raw power to all fields. He recognized pitches and displayed very good plate discipline, walking three times in seven plate a/ppearances. Other than failing to cover first base for a return throw on a potential 3-2-3 basloaded double-play attempt, Torkelson did nothing to show that he will not turn himself into an average defensive first baseman. He possesses plenty of arm strength for the position with firm and accurate throws both in the game and pregame I/O. He fielded everything hit his way and even picked a couple throws out of the dirt. It’s only a matter of time before he develops a much different reputation on defense than the one he currently holds in the eyes of scouts. Look for Torkelson to build upon a great freshman and summer season. (Seifert)

8/1/18: After hitting in the middle of the USA CNT lineup earlier this summer, Torkelson continues to mash in the Cape. He blasted seven home runs, which was second in the league, despite missing three weeks while playing for the CNT. Torkelson has further cemented himself as the top power bat for the 2020 draft. (Seifert)

7/11/18: Strong bodied 1B/OF with easy power to all fields. Reminds some of Eric Karros, former Los Angeles Dodger. Set up in a slightly open, spread stance. Showed good balance, strength and bat speed for plus to plus-plus power. Due to his slight dive stride, pitchers attempted to pitch him inside, but Torkelson typically fought if off and got to the next pitch. On occasion, he did chase the fastball up and some breaking balls out of the zone, but he’s a power hitter and sometimes that is what power hitters do. Defensively, he got a late jump on a couple fly balls in the outfield, yet he moved well with an athletic stride once underway, both on the bases and right field. Although limited tool-wise defensively, look for Torkelson to receive top round consideration in 2020 for his power potential as teams will be looking to buy a potential middle of the order bat. (Seifert)