The Detroit Tigers are poised for a significant improvement in 2025 following their recent postseason appearance. With a pitching staff that stands out as their primary strength, the Tigers’ offense needs a substantial overhaul, having ranked 20th in runs per game. Spencer Torkelson, the first overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft, is a key player to watch. After hitting 31 homers in 2023, his overall performance has been underwhelming. With a bWAR of -0.3 over three seasons, Torkelson's trajectory mirrors that of other players who took time to develop, such as J.D. Martinez and Byron Buxton, suggesting potential for a turnaround.

Colt Keith has also emerged as a contender for first base after a moderate rookie season. If Torkelson fails to elevate his game, the Tigers may have to consider trading him, but other teams might view him as a reclamation project given his pedigree. This spring will be crucial for Torkelson, as his performance could dictate the roster dynamics and future direction of the Tigers.

The San Francisco Giants are gearing up for a pivotal 2025 season, eager to break free from mediocrity. The team has struggled in recent years despite efforts in free agency, overshadowed by rival teams making major signings. Former All-Star Buster Posey has been brought in to guide the team, addressing shortstop needs with the acquisition of Willy Adames. However, the Giants lost Blake Snell to the Los Angeles Dodgers and missed on Corbin Burnes, adding uncertainty to their starting rotation. They did bring in future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, though his performance remains uncertain. Despite improvements, the Giants still have room to enhance their lineup, potentially eyeing a trade for Detroit Tigers slugger Spencer Torkelson, who has struggled to meet expectations since being the first overall pick.

Yahoo Sports has updated its 26-and-under MLB power rankings, providing a more comprehensive look at the future potential of each organization. By evaluating players who are 26 years old or younger, the rankings prioritize those already contributing in the majors alongside promising prospects. The San Diego Padres, who ranked 15th, showcase Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill, both elite talents despite varying performance levels. Tatis, recovering from a down year, still possesses MVP-caliber skills, while Merrill's surprising 2024 performance set high expectations for his continued development.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are 14th, buoyed by a young core that helped them reach the ALDS. Riley Greene stands out as an All-Star, while others like Spencer Torkelson and Parker Meadows look to solidify their roles. The New York Mets, ranked 13th, are driven by Juan Soto's elite hitting and the growth of young talents like Francisco Alvarez and Mark Vientos. Both teams hope their young stars can lead them to sustained success.

The Detroit Tigers, coming off a playoff berth, are gearing up for a crucial spring training as they aim to capitalize on a short window to keep reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. The pressure is on as they look to integrate promising players like Jackson Jobe, Gleyber Torres, and Spencer Torkelson into the lineup. Jobe, the third overall pick in 2021, is a key focus with his potential to be a top-tier starter. Torres hopes to rediscover his elite batting form, while Torkelson aims to convert potential into production after a lackluster start to his career.

Additionally, the bullpen sees new faces like Chase Lee, who impressed in the minors, and Trey Sweeney, who might find the stability Detroit seeks at shortstop. With a mix of veteran talent and rising prospects, the Tigers are poised for an exciting season as they navigate their win-now mentality while developing young stars.

After being selected first overall in the 2020 MLB draft, Spencer Torkelson was seen as the key to reviving the Detroit Tigers. However, as the team enters 2025, Torkelson finds himself in a precarious position, not projected to be a starter. With the acquisition of Gleyber Torres and young talents like Jace Jung and Colt Keith, Torkelson's role may be limited to platooning or time in Triple-A, which could be crucial for his confidence.

Torkelson's performance shows promise against left-handed pitchers, boasting a .470 slugging percentage, suggesting a strategic usage could enhance his overall numbers. Despite decent stats in Triple-A last year, he hasn’t yet dominated at that level, leaving his future uncertain amid trade rumors. While his trajectory doesn't appear as bright as it once did, there is still potential for growth if given the right opportunities.