What's Happening?
The Detroit Tigers are reflecting on their 2020 MLB Draft decision, where they selected Spencer Torkelson as the first overall pick. Torkelson, who was highly anticipated coming out of Arizona State, has underperformed with a 1.5 bWAR and a .718 OPS over five
seasons. In hindsight, the Tigers could have chosen Garrett Crochet, who was picked 11th overall by the Chicago White Sox. Pairing Crochet with Tarik Skubal could have significantly strengthened the Tigers' rotation. However, the Tigers are currently dealing with Skubal's injury, as he is on the injured list following elbow surgery. The White Sox had fast-tracked Crochet to the majors, using him in relief roles until 2024, a strategy that might have differed if he had been with the Tigers.
Why It's Important?
The decision to draft Torkelson over Crochet highlights the challenges and uncertainties teams face during the draft process. The Tigers' current struggles with injuries in their pitching staff underscore the potential impact Crochet could have had. This situation reflects broader issues in team management and player development strategies. The Tigers' missed opportunity with Crochet could have long-term implications for their competitiveness in the league, especially as they navigate injuries to key players like Skubal.
