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MLB Rumors: Justin Verlander trade, Tigers surprise, Brewers 1 step away on Burnes

By Miranda Remaklus

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 20: Justin Verlander #35 of the New York Mets walks in the dugout prior to facing the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 20, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 20: Justin Verlander #35 of the New York Mets walks in the dugout prior to facing the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 20, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Getty Images)
Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Getty Images) /

MLB Rumors: A surprise Tigers trade

It’s not typical to see the first overall draft pick with elite potential be a possible trade chip. Such is the case of Spencer Torkelson and the Detroit Tigers.

He is slashing .228/.309/.381 this season with a .690 OPS. He plays first base and has been the designated hitter. Over 71 games, he has 30 walks, 17 doubles, eight home runs, two stolen bases, 31 runs, and 34 RBI. These stats are not reflective of what the Tigers would get with Torkelson.

Torkelson, 23, was the first overall draft pick by the Tigers in 2020 out of Arizona State University.  In Bowden’s deadline targets post, he said Torkelson has “yet to live up to being the first overall pick in the 2020 draft. Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris didn’t draft Torkelson and might be open to trading him in the right prospect swap.”

If Harris isn’t keen on Torkelson, hearing him shopping the youngster shouldn’t surprise anyone. It’s possible that he needs a change in scenery to a place he feels more comfortable. Considering the drop in production, seeing what prospect Harris could net will be intriguing.

Torkelson is team controlled for some time. He will be arbitration eligible in 2026 and a free agent in 2029.

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