CURRENT STATE OF 1ST BASE

Spencer Torkelson’s season was described by Scott Harris as “turbulent”. But it doesn’t sound like the Preside of Baseball Operations has given up on the former #1 pick yet. After a major second half of the 2023 season, Torkelson would struggle mightily in the beginning of the 2024 season. This would include a 2 month stint in AAA, which was vastly inconsistent as well. Torkelson managed to salvage the year and was part of the run down the stretch. Ultimately Torkelson would fall back into his struggles, which leaves a major question looming in 2025, as to whether or not he is an everyday first basemen come opening day 2025.

The Tiger’s will likely look for a platoon option to supplement the use of Torkelson. The next player we will profile is Josh Bell. Bell is a journeyman who most recently played the platoon role of DH in Arizona. He played a role in keeping the lineup afloat in the absence of Diamondback star Christian Walker.

Josh Bell was traded to the Dbacks for cash.

He hits a home run in this first at bat with the Dbacks.

You love to see it. pic.twitter.com/oueznOnBu0

— 🌵 Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) August 2, 2024

ADVANCED ANALYTICS

Analytics suggest that he is an above average, switch-hitting power hitting power threat, that doesn’t provide much other value in the way of defense, base running, etc. He has fairly even splits from both side of the plate, which gives the team flexibility for when he can be utilized.

Bell is 33 years of age, but shows that he still has plenty in the tank belting 19 homeruns just last year. After being DFA’d due to a slow start in Miami last year, he finished the season strong with splits of .280/ .368/ .420/ .788 over the last two months.

ROLE

Bell would likely play the role as a platoon option when Torkelson’s bat needs a day off. He would likely be a better option against righties then what Torkelson can provide. In the event Torkelson continues to struggle in the way he did at the beginning of last year, he could even be the #1 option. The Tiger’s biggest concern would be his defensive inefficiencies.